Machine Operator

Company Description

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

Job Description

Packaging Machine Operator

1st SHIFT: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm M-F

The basic function of the Machine Operator is to perform all operational functions on the machines to achieve production goals on a daily and annual basis. Incumbent performs necessary functions in order to efficiently, safely, and correctly process materials in preparation for cooking or for packaging.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Manage start-up to make sure equipment is in proper operating condition.
• Set-up, operate, and perform change-over procedures of machine in accordance with operating standard protocols and machine settings.
• Change rolls (of film, zipper, scavengers, stickers, etc.) in a timely manner to minimize down time and lost material.
• Partner with Maintenance to minimized downtime. Communicate effectively with Maintenance personnel to prevent and address any machine malfunctions. Help complete basic troubleshooting or repair. Complete basic preventative maintenance.
• Continually strive to maximize productivity and efficiency while decreasing waste and work at full capacity.
• Ability to assemble and de-assemble machine.
• Perform necessary checks at start of shift and at each new product; document on paperwork, code date, correct label, upper/lower film, etc.
• Follow daily production schedule and achieve specified goals.
• Ensure quality protocols & SOPs are followed and openly communicate with FSQ in order to fix defects to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Ensure product conforms to specifications (i.e. weights & lengths) by performing periodic checks on output.
• Ensure products are correctly labeled and identified for proper disposition.
• Prevent and minimize rework and/or inedible.
• Record daily production paperwork, process monitors, and daily run logs sheets completely and accurately.
• Monitor workflow to maximize machine output efficiencies.
• Keep hard supplies for batch run, such as combos and v-mags stocked in the area.
• Accurately document all ingredients used and maintain a stock of necessary materials.
• Ensure Team Members working on line are efficient and completing work safety and with quality in mind
• Clearly communicate work assignments, directives, and expected outcomes with line personnel.
• Ensure all associates on your line understand and follow all policies and standard operating procedures.
• Empower personnel to strive to improve and do their best; ensuring pride in their team and ownership of their line.
• Train and continually develop the skills of the personnel in your area.
• Encourage a team spirit where all associates have pride in their line, and therefore continually attempt to break records and set new production standards.
• Routinely communicate with your Supervisor in order to gain directives, discuss decisions and action plans, and share information.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training, along with company pre-requisite programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), and Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOP’s).

Safety:

• Perform all duties within OSHA and company safety standards; LOTO, wear PPE and maintain safety equipment.
• Maintain a safe, clean and organized work area.
• Immediately report all accidents and deficiencies to the lead/foreman/supervisor.
• Ensure safety devices are installed and working properly.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education/Experience: Less than high school education; or up to 2-12 months related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:

• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems
• Multi-tasking - Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Accuracy - Superior accuracy and attention to detail
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
• Relationships - Establishes and maintains professional relationships with vendors, customers and employees at all levels based on credibility, integrity and trust
• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy
• Verbal/Written Communication Skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and/or maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers.
• Must be able to perform repetitive functions.

Additional Information

The starting rate for this role is $17.00 - $23.32. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.