About the position
Perfetti Van Melle, a leading manufacturer and distributor of confectionery and chewing gum, is seeking a dedicated Production Generalist to join our team in Loves Park, IL. As a key member of our manufacturing team, you will be responsible for various functions associated with the start-up, shutdown, lockout, sanitation, and operation of packaging process equipment. This role is crucial in ensuring the efficient flow of product and maintaining product quality within controlled parameters to minimize waste. You will work in a fast-paced environment, operating and monitoring all packaging equipment to ensure smooth product flow from the discharge of the extruder to palletization. In this position, you will be tasked with performing quality checks on packaging integrity, including metal detection, seals, code dates, and product weights. You will also handle scrap and waste management, troubleshoot equipment issues, and perform data entry into the computer systems. Safety is a top priority, and you will be expected to adhere to all safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) policies while promoting safe work practices among your peers. Maintaining a clean and organized work area is essential, and you will be responsible for ensuring cleanliness as part of the shift hand-off and during weekly sanitation processes. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, with previous manufacturing experience preferred. Strong troubleshooting and problem analysis skills are essential, as well as the ability to work overtime when necessary to meet customer demands. You will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and may be exposed to dusty conditions. Flexibility in learning and working in other job functions is also important to ensure a competent and trained workforce. Bilingual fluency in Spanish is highly preferred, as it will enhance communication within our diverse team.
Responsibilities
- Perform all functions associated with the start-up, shutdown, lockout, sanitation, and operation of packaging process equipment.
- Troubleshoot equipment and make necessary adjustments to ensure the efficient flow of product.
- Ensure product quality within controlled parameters to minimize waste.
- Efficiently and safely operate and monitor all packaging equipment to maintain product flow from discharge of the extruder to palletization.
- Responsible for package integrity and quality checks, including metal detection, seals, code dates, and product weights.
- Monitor and maintain correct product/case weights.
- Handle scrap and waste from machines as necessary.
- Perform data entry into the computer.
- Maintain a clean, orderly work area and ensure cleanliness as part of the shift hand-off and weekly sanitation process.
- Adhere to all safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) policies and promote safe work practices.
- Notify maintenance or supervisor when line or piece of line is down and needs attention.
Requirements
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Previous manufacturing experience is preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem analysis skills.
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off
- 13 paid holidays
- 401k with Company Match up to 8%
- Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Annual well-being subsidy
- 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options
- Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
- Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)
