Machine Operator at KRIER FOODS LLC – Random Lake, Wisconsin

Overview: The Machine Operator will be responsible for operating and monitoring automated equipment including fillers, packaging machinery, depalletizers (depals), stackers, and more. The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and be comfortable performing routine cleaning and Clean-in-Place (CIP’s) procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Operate within safety and quality standards, good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) and adherence to job specifications.
• Operate and monitor beverage filling machines, packaging lines, depalletizers, and stackers to ensure optimal performance and product quality.
• Perform start-up, changeover, and shutdown procedures on assigned equipment.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and promptly report any mechanical issues or irregularities to maintenance or supervisors.
• Perform CIP (Clean-in-Place) and sanitation tasks to maintain hygiene and product safety standards.
• Keep accurate records of production, machine settings, and downtime events in line with quality control protocols.
• Ensure that all products meet company quality specifications, including volume, labeling, packaging, coding and appearance.
• Support team members across production lines as needed to maintain smooth workflow.
• Ensure proper PPE is utilized, as well as forklift compliance (if applicable).
• Operates machine controls and minor adjustments while monitoring the line for proper operation and performing final case inspections every hour.
• Closely monitoring production equipment for jams, making the necessary adjustment, and ensuring the availability and application of materials.
• Assist in correct set up of production line to ensure product type of materials (including proper graphics if required), size of trays, proper cans and can ends, labels, and coder set.
• Able to quickly troubleshoot minor issues on equipment, resolve and keep the production line moving.
• Follow all customer standards/specifications, quality requirements and Federal, State and Local regulations.
• Maintain a clean work area by appropriately handling all recyclables and trash; as well as, re-working miss-packs during and at end of shift.
• Complete required documentation accurately and completely as required for the equipment being operated and document line issues.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• 1–2 years of prior experience in a manufacturing environment is required; experience within the food and beverage industry is highly preferred.
• Must adhere to all Quality Management System (QMS) policies, procedures, and Food Safety Management requirements.
• Availability to work overtime as business needs arise is required.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, read, and understand written instructions and procedures in English.
• Forklift certification from Krier Foods, Inc. (or company-specific training) is required before operating any company-owned forklift (if applicable).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve issues quickly.
• Proactive mindset with a strong sense of urgency in addressing operational challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster a collaborative, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.