Wild Turkey Distillery: Packaging Operator

General Description of the Role

The Packaging Operator operates the machinery on the Packaging line to produce quality product for the consumer.   

Mission/Objectives

The Packaging Operator will operate Packaging Machines on the line to produce a quality product in a safe and efficient manner.  The Operator will strive to continuously improve the operation.

Key Responsibilities and Activities

• Must be able to efficiently and effectively operate all equipment on all packaging lines.
• Must produce a quality package the first time and on time.
• Must be able to manually perform tasks necessary to efficiently and effectively produce finished case goods as prescribed on the work schedule.
• Responsible for the efficient and effective line change, set up, running adjustments and operation of all Packaging/packaging equipment.  Operator to make adjustments and repairs to equipment, and notifies line captain or supervisor when a major repair is needed.
• Observe and listen to equipment to detect possible malfunctions and report malfunctions to the line captain or supervisor.
• Accurately complete all line paperwork and keep performance boards updated.
• Ensure bottled product is packaged in compliance with all operating procedures to support target quality outcomes. Adhere to packaging product SOP’s.
• Comply with established Packaging quality checks and measures.  Must be attentive at all times to ensure correct application of all raw materials and proper liquid is bottled as scheduled.
• Comply with TTB and other regulatory requirements.  Must be able to accurately read and record Packaging data by means of work schedule or computer equipment.
• Comply with all GMP, ISO and food safety standards relating to the packaging operation.
• Work with appropriate internal stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and/or to resolve quality risks when identified.

• Comply with all PPE safety requirements for assigned work area.
• Adhere to and promote a safe working environment.  This includes keeping all materials, supplies, tools and any other production related items in their place.  Adherence to 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) standards is expected of the Packaging Operator.

• Communicate any deficiencies that are affecting Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to line captain or supervisor.
• Shall implement continuous improvement actions to close gaps of KPI’s or increase productivity as needed.  Participate in Root Cause Problem Solving (RCPS) to solve problems by attempting to identify and correct the root causes of events, as opposed to simply addressing their symptoms.
• Work proactively and collaboratively with other Packaging and Maintenance department employees to correct issues and proactively drive continuous improvement objectives to meet or exceed target KPI’s.
• Ensure basic maintenance practices are in place with the team to keep equipment operating at capacity and to prevent unscheduled down time.  This includes completing necessary forms for work orders on the packaging line equipment.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by management.  This also includes working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief during peak periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Experience Required

• Must have experience in a manufacturing environment.

Education / Professional Qualifications

• Possess high school diploma or GED
• Work Keys Assessment

Skills  

Functional

• Problem solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer Service

Technical

• Start up, operate, and monitor all packaging Equipment.

Other

Essential Job Functions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 40lbs on a regular basis from floor to shoulder and up to 60 lbs. occasionally.
• The employee must be able to physically navigate around a plant/production environment – including the repetitive climbing of stairs, elevated walkways etc.  Must be able to ascend and descend ladders as appropriate.
• The employee must be able to use and operate tools and equipment involved in the production and routine maintenance of the packaging equipment.