SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

The Downline Operator I will be required to operate and learn the operations of the Downline Packaging equipment including Cap Applicator, Cardboard Case Packer, Accumulators, and learn basic functionality of the coders. Ensure efficient operation of distribution equipment and support maintenance activities on a consistent basis. Follow written and verbal instructions to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met. Assume responsibility for safety, quality and effective communication relevant to shift and plant performance. Fills in for vacations and or covers if other employees are absent.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Complies with Good manufacturing practices
• Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in equipment
• Conducts required quality checks to assure standards are met
• Maintain clean and organized area
• Maintains communications within production team ensuring smooth shift transitions, etc.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Assist with maintenance techs on routine maintenance and troubleshooting
• Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities
• Monitor WIP material and supplies to ensure efficient production
• Basic understanding of Oracle systems accurately scanning material being consumed
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area codes and paperwork
• Set up oncoming shifts for success leaving area clean, organized, and stocked
• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Adheres to all plant safety rules
• Reports all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor and or HR representative
• Serves an active role the plant safety programs, by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Management

Quality:

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
• Follows SOP's and SSOP's (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when making processing adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality liquid-based products.
• Responsible for compliance with GMP's, HACCP and SQF programs
• Identifies all critical control points (CCP) understanding their functions it relates to the process.

Maintenance

• When maintenance is occurring in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the Maintenance Technicians in any capacity needed to expedite the repair process.

Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors

Communications

• As a member of the Production team, ensures effective shift communication and teamwork with other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.
• When utilizing the handheld radios employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communicating.

Teamwork and Training

• Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
• Works well among co-workers as a team.
• Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.

Personal Development

• Continuously improve your knowledge of the Aseptic Filling process.
• Become familiar with SunOpta 360.
• Completes and adheres to the Annual Alchemy Schedule

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required.

Preferred Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

*Able to work independently with minimal amount of supervision

*Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues

*Must have accurate and detailed record keeping and legible handwriting

*Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination.

*Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management

*Must be able to stand (12) hours for long periods of time and lift a minimum up to 50lbs frequently and move rolling tubs occasionally in excess of 100lb and push/pull pallet jacks with heavy loads

*Work (12) hours as required as well as any overtime that may be scheduled when additional coverage is needed, maintaining a good attendance record.

*Must have good personal hygiene

*Performs the Quality Assurance checks on cartons and cases verifying the package integrity

*Good communication and interpersonal skills lending to a team environment

*Have a minimum of 90 days of distribution equipment experience

Knowledge and Skills:

Working knowledge of business, computer, and math, preferred. The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure being able to work with minimal or no supervision.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics/physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to wet and / or humid conditions (non-weather); moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally sit, lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, grasp, type; reach with hands and arms; lean, crouch, stoop, kneel, or crawl; climb up and down ladders or stairs. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee is required to climb and operate a three-story machine several times per hour.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED