Packaging Operator - Overnights!

About the job

Job Description
Packaging Operator - Cool Whip
Department: Production
Location: Avon, NY
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Union: Teamsters 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, troubleshooting, cleaning, and sanitizing packaging equipment used in the production of Cool Whip products. The Packaging Operator ensures products are properly filled, coded, banded, cased, and prepared for storage while maintaining compliance with safety, quality, food safety, and production requirements.
Basic Purpose
To safely and efficiently operate Cool Whip packaging equipment while ensuring proper package quality, coding accuracy, product integrity, and adherence to Kraft Heinz food safety and quality standards.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions
Operate and monitor packaging equipment including Massman Casepackers, Marsh Case Coders, Fuji Banders, and associated packaging systems.
Ensure Cool Whip containers are properly frozen, banded, cased, coded, and sent to frozen warehouse locations.
Verify package fill levels, product weights, code dates, and packaging specifications.
Perform film changes, equipment adjustments, and changeovers as required.
Perform basic troubleshooting and minor mechanical adjustments to maintain production efficiency.
Load supplies and packaging materials to support continuous production operations.
Complete startup, shutdown, disassembly, sanitation, reassembly, and startup activities.
Recognize and report unusual operating conditions, equipment failures, or quality concerns to leadership.
Maintain housekeeping standards throughout the production shift.
Support production goals while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Safety Responsibilities
Follow all Kraft Heinz safety policies and procedures.
Safely operate production and packaging equipment.
Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures as required.
Wear and maintain required PPE.
Report unsafe conditions, behaviors, and equipment immediately.
Support Kraft Heinz's safety-first culture.
Sanitation Responsibilities
Clean and sanitize packaging equipment, tools, floors, and work areas.
Disassemble and reassemble equipment for sanitation activities.
Complete sanitation activities in accordance with Kraft Heinz standards.
Safely handle cleaning chemicals and sanitation equipment.
Maintain GMP and housekeeping standards throughout the shift.
Quality Assurance Responsibilities
Ensure products meet Kraft Heinz Quality Assurance standards.
Verify package fill, product weights, coding accuracy, and packaging integrity.
Communicate quality concerns immediately.
Complete required production, quality, and traceability documentation.
Support food safety, GMP, and quality programs.
Participate in audits and corrective action activities as required.
Skills Profile
Technical Skills
Packaging equipment operation
Mechanical aptitude
Troubleshooting
Equipment changeovers
Documentation and recordkeeping
Food safety and sanitation knowledge
Quality verification
Production operations
Professional Competencies
Teamwork
Communication
Attention to Detail
Accountability
Reliability
Adaptability
Time Management
Safety Awareness
Physical Requirements
Standing up to 12 hours a day
Lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 80 lbs.
Repetitive motion with hands
Kneeling
Twisting
Squatting
Reaching above shoulder level
Working in hot and cold environments (Lunchables 40 degrees F, Cool Whip 90 degrees/-35 degrees F, Cold Storage 0 degrees 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
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and mandated overtime.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Prior manufacturing experience is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior manufacturing experience.
Food manufacturing experience.
Packaging equipment operation experience.
Mechanical troubleshooting experience.
Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments.
Working Conditions
This position works in a food manufacturing environment and may be exposed to:
Moving mechanical equipment
Wet or slippery surfaces
Food allergens
Cleaning chemicals
High noise levels
Cold and hot temperature environments
Production equipment and conveyor systems
Shift work, overtime, weekends, and holidays
Additional Information
Applicants must be willing to work any shift, including weekends and holidays.
Overtime may be required based on business needs.
Employees are expected to comply with all federal, state, local, company, safety, quality, food safety, and sanitation requirements.
Benefits Overview
In addition to competitive pay, Kraft Heinz offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial future, and personal well-being, including:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
HRA and Optional Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) with Company Match and Additional Core Contribution
Company-Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pet Insurance and Voluntary Benefits
Maven Family Support Resources
Paid Vacation and Holidays
Shift Differentials and Overtime Opportunities
Growth and Advancement Opportunities
Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
Compensation Overview
Starting Pay: $22.69/hour
Second Shift Differential: $1.25/hour
Third Shift Differential: $2.50/hour
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Avon Plant
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.