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 as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing experience.
• Previous food manufacturing experience.
• Packaging equipment operation experience.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment.

Working Conditions

This position works in a food manufacturing environment and may be exposed to:

• Cold and refrigerated production environments
• Hot process equipment and production areas
• Moving mechanical equipment
• Wet and slippery surfaces
• Cleaning chemicals and sanitation activities
• Variable temperatures
• High noise levels
• Fast-paced production environments
• Production schedules and deadlines

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.
• Employees must maintain regular attendance and satisfactory job performance.

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

About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun, and quality to every meal table we touch. We are committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and creating products that consumers know and love.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and commitment to the table as the guardians of our beloved brands. We invest in your development, encourage growth opportunities, and provide the tools needed to build a successful and rewarding career at Kraft Heinz.