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)

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.