Process Operator - 3rd Shift

Process Operator – Cool Whip (Union Hourly Role)

Location: Avon, NY
Company: Kraft Heinz

Schedule

• Primary Shift: 3rd Shift (10:00 PM – 6:30 AM)
• Overtime: Mandatory as required
• Training Requirement: Must train on 1st shift for 6 weeks (6:00 AM – 2:30 PM)

Position Overview

The Kraft Heinz Company is seeking a Process Operator to support Cool Whip production at our Avon, NY facility. This role is responsible for safely operating processing and filling equipment while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Successful candidates are team-oriented, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement. This position plays a key role in ensuring our products meet strict quality and food safety standards.

Basic Purpose

Ensure Cool Whip® emulsion is cooled, aged, processed, whipped, filled, lidded, weighed, properly coded, and transferred to packaging safely and efficiently to meet quality and production goals.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Equipment Operation

• Operate, monitor, and make minor adjustments to holding, pumping, whipping, and filling equipment
• Safely operate bowl dispensing equipment and Cherry-Burrell fillers
• Understand control systems, drive power differences, and filler jam detection systems
• Monitor filler beds, respond to alarms, and safely clear jams
• Operate auto lid handling (ALH) systems and perform manual lid loading as needed
• Operate weight control systems in compliance with quality and regulatory guidelines
• Monitor remelt systems and perform thawing when necessary
• Stage and manage remelt waste carts

Sanitation & Cleaning

• Perform scheduled sanitation and CIP (Clean-In-Place) cleaning of processing equipment
• Safely handle and use chemicals
• Complete weekend and changeover cleaning activities, including:
  • Fillers, hoppers, manifolds, y-pipes, sparge tubes, hoses, and other equipment
• Conduct floor scrubbing and production-related sanitation tasks
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in compliance with GMP standards

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety rules, GMP, HACCP, and QRMP programs
• Adhere to Lockout/Tagout procedures for all applicable equipment
• Wear required PPE (safety shoes, hearing protection, hairnets/beardnets, etc.)
• Identify and report unsafe conditions or defective equipment
• Ensure safety of self and others at all times

Quality & Documentation

• Maintain product quality standards and specifications
• Record QC testing results, downtime, audits, and equipment performance data
• Complete production and packaging traceability documentation accurately
• Understand and follow production schedules
• Follow all OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) reporting requirements

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding production and changeovers
• Assist with training of other employees as needed
• Participate in audits and continuous improvement initiatives

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance and periodic cleaning tasks
• Support rework activities as assigned
• Move waste, trash, and materials to designated areas
• Complete all other duties assigned by Supervisor or Group Leader

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• Attention to detail
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Time management and ability to follow directions
• Ability to train others

Basic Requirements:

• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math calculations
• Demonstrated computer skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical Demands

• Standing up to 12 hours a day
• Lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs including overhead work
• Repetitive motion with hands
• Kneeling
• Twisting
• Squatting
• Climbing stairs

Work Environment

• Working in hot and cold environments (90 degrees/ -35 degrees F)
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts.  During his/her career, the employee will be exposed during his/her career to high noise levels, chemicals, frozen products, fumes or airborne particles, constant stair climbing, and slippery floors.
• Person