Packaging Operator - Cool Whip

Department: Production
Location: Avon, NY
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Union: Teamsters Local 118

Position Summary

The Kraft Heinz Company is currently seeking a Packaging Operator - Cool Whip to work at our food processing facility in Avon, NY. This position is responsible for operating, monitoring, adjusting, and maintaining packaging equipment to ensure Cool Whip products are packaged safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company quality, food safety, and production standards. The Packaging Operator supports production goals while maintaining compliance with safety, sanitation, GMP, and quality requirements.

Basic Purpose

To safely and efficiently operate packaging equipment to ensure Cool Whip products are properly filled, coded, banded, cased, and transferred for storage while maintaining quality standards, food safety requirements, and production efficiencies.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• Operate and monitor filling, banding, coding, and case packing equipment.
• Ensure proper package fill weights, coding accuracy, and packaging quality.
• Operate Massman case packers, Marsh case coders, Fuji banders, and associated production equipment.
• Perform equipment changeovers and packaging material changeouts.
• Load packaging materials and supplies.
• Make minor mechanical adjustments to maintain efficient operation.
• Perform routine equipment inspections during operation.
• Perform shutdown, disassembly, sanitation, reassembly, and startup activities.
• Maintain production documentation and required records.
• Report equipment malfunctions and production concerns promptly.
• Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Maintain work area cleanliness and organization.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all Kraft Heinz safety policies and procedures.
• Safely operate production equipment and machinery.
• Wear and maintain required PPE.
• Follow all lockout/tagout and machine guarding requirements.
• Report unsafe conditions, behaviors, incidents, and near misses immediately.
• Participate in required safety training and programs.
• Support Kraft Heinz's safety-first culture.

Sanitation Responsibilities

• Follow all GMP, sanitation, and food safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized production area.
• Perform equipment sanitation during scheduled cleanings and product changeovers.
• Support compliance with all food safety and sanitation programs.
• Ensure proper cleaning procedures are followed.

Quality Assurance Responsibilities

• Ensure products meet Kraft Heinz quality standards and specifications.
• Verify package codes, labels, and fill weights.
• Monitor product quality throughout production runs.
• Identify and report product defects or quality concerns.
• Support QRMP, GMP, HACCP, and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate production records and documentation.

Skills Profile

Technical Skills

• Packaging equipment operation
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting
• Production monitoring
• Equipment changeovers
• Food manufacturing processes
• Quality inspections
• GMP compliance
• Production documentation

Professional Competencies

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Reliability
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Problem Solving
• Safety Awareness

Physical Requirements

• 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
• Working in hot and cold environments (Lunchables 40°F, Cool Whip 90°F/-35°F, Cold Storage 0°F)
• Working in loud environments over 85 decibels
• Able to give and understand instructions and hold conversations in a manufacturing environment as well as an office or classroom setting
• Must operate a computer and other standard office equipment
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 80 lbs. as required

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime as required.
• Ability to safely operate production equipment.
• Ability to work independently and