Machine Operator

ob description:

GBC Foods is a growing food manufacturing and packaging facility specializing in sauces and dry spice blends. We support a fast-paced production environment focused on food safety, consistency, and quality. Our team plays a key role in delivering products for retail, foodservice, and co-manufacturing partners.

The Machine Operator is responsible for leading packaging operations on their assigned line to ensure products are packaged safely, accurately, and efficiently while meeting all food safety, quality, customer, and regulatory requirements. This position supports production goals by providing leadership to Packaging Technicians, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), SQF requirements, sanitation procedures, and company policies.

The Machine Operator plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, food safety, personnel safety, and operational efficiency throughout the packaging process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Production Operations

• Perform all packaging line functions as required.
• Package finished goods into designated shipping containers according to specifications.
• Verify and apply correct labels, lot codes, and date codes to finished products.
• Set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and disassemble packaging equipment.
• Assist with packaging line setup, changeovers, and breakdown activities.
• Monitor packaging operations to ensure production schedules and efficiency targets are achieved.
• Complete all required paperwork.
• Communicate production issues and equipment concerns to management promptly.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and support Packaging Technicians during daily operations.
• Train new employees on packaging procedures, GMPs, food safety requirements, sanitation practices, and workplace safety.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and compliance with company policies.
• Assist management in maintaining productivity and quality standards.

Food Safety & Quality Responsibilities

• Follow all SQF, HACCP, GMP, food safety, food defense, and quality procedures.
• Ensure products are packaged according to approved specifications and customer requirements.
• Verify packaging materials, labels, and coding information prior to use.
• Monitor products for quality concerns and report deviations immediately.
• Identify and report food safety, quality, sanitation, or regulatory issues to management.
• Support traceability, product identification, and lot control requirements.
• Participate in food safety and quality training as required.
• Prevent product contamination by following established procedures and GMP practices.
• Support corrective actions and continuous improvement activities related to food safety and quality.

Sanitation & Housekeeping

• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing packaging lines, equipment, and production areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment.
• Ensure waste materials are properly removed and disposed of according to company procedures.
• Report maintenance, sanitation, or pest control concerns immediately.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and GMP garments at all times.
• Report accidents, injuries, unsafe conditions, or near misses immediately.
• Operate equipment safely and only after receiving proper training.

Additional Responsibilities

• Review and understand daily production schedules and assigned tasks.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of food manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to identify food safety and quality concerns.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Dependable with strong organizational skills and a positive work ethic.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible schedules as needed.

Education and ExperienceRequired

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Preferred

• Previous packaging experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety programs.

Physical Requirements

• Continuous standing and walking throughout scheduled shifts.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, bending, twisting, reaching, and repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying temperature conditions, including warm production environments.
• Ability to safely use box cutters, utility knives, ladders, and step stools.

Work Environment

This position works in a food manufacturing facility and is subject to production noise, moving equipment, temperature variations, and food processing operations. Compliance with all GMP, food safety, sanitation, and safety requirements is mandatory.

Food Safety and Quality Commitment

Employees are responsible for maintaining product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality by complying with all company food safety policies, SQF requirements, GMPs, HACCP programs, sanitation procedures, and customer requirements. Employees are expected to immediately report any condition that may compromise food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, or customer satisfaction.

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Machine operation: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person