Packaging Machine Operator

Job Summary:

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day.

As a Packaging Team Member, you’ll be at the center of our operation, helping ensure products are packaged safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You’ll operate, monitor, and maintain packaging equipment, monitor processes, and take pride in knowing your work directly impacts the food experiences we deliver to millions of consumers.

This role is more than keeping lines moving—it’s about working as part of a team that respects one another, values safety, and strives for continuous improvement. By upholding our commitment to excellence, you’ll play a vital role in making mealtime easier, safer, and more enjoyable for families everywhere

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

ND Grand Forks

Job Type:

Production Group

Job Posting Title:

Packaging Machine Operator

Job Description:

Schedule: 12 hour shift 3-2-2, working 48 hours one week and 36 hours the next week. Weekends and Overtime required. 7:00pm - 7:30am

Work Location: Grand Forks, ND

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $22.50 per Hour plus $0.50 night differencial

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness. 9 Paid holidays, Paid sick and vacation.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time:

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance:

• Operate basic packaging machinery (depalletizers, palletizers, conveyors, forklifts).
• Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly.
• Use technical skills in SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to keep Packaging flowing.
• Perform routine operation checks.
• Perform daily inspections, preventive maintenance, and equipment changeovers.
• Ensure proper sanitation after changeovers.
• Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management:
• Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and packaging.
• Perform manual packing and palletizing.
• Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.
• Conduct quality checks on products and packaging.
• Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance:
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
• Maintain compliance documentation and complete sanitation steps during changeovers.
• Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training:
• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.
• Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training.
• Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement:
• Accurately complete basic production paperwork and report issues to supervisors.
• Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.
• Participate in 5S efforts.
• Assist in reviewing production paperwork.
• Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues.
• Act as 5S champion for area.

Knowledge, Training, Education, and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
• Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.
• 18+ years of age.
• Technical & Mechanical Skills:
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production line equipment, including cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers.
• For higher levels, demonstrate expert troubleshooting of high-speed packaging equipment and strong understanding of theory of operation.
• Perform Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line huddle activities to improve efficiency.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve equipment irregularities.
• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.
• Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Safety & Compliance:
• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Commit