Operations Material Handler I

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!

Summary:

Operator will perform all tasks involving the delivery of raw materials, palletizing, documentation, and storage of all finished goods. Operate all energized and non-energized Forklift and Palletizing equipment including Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, Floor Scrubber, Palletizing Robot and shrink wrap machines. Follow written and verbal procedures to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met. Assume responsibility for the Batch Output area efficiencies, safety, quality following all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself. Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position at the site. Fill in for vacations and or cover if other employees are absent.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilizing the Oracle production tools and wireless handheld RF scanners to generate labels placing them on pallets and account for inventory
• Scan bar codes to make sure codes are accurate and legible
• Places finished product pallets in the warehouse processing all necessary moves including immediate transactions for the final locations
• Communicate to all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that hinder production
• Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in palletizing equipment
• Perform forklift inspections prior to shift with accurate documentation
• Conducts required quality checks to assure standards are met.
• Maintains communications within production team ensuring smooth shift transitions
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities.
• Monitor raw packaging material and supplies to ensure it is supplied in an efficient manor to support production
• Maintain ingredients and material on a First in First Out basis (FIFO)
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork
• Must be able to work both independently as well as professionally with other team members

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
• Responsible for compliance with the HACCP program
• Must adhere to and follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
• Accurately prepares and maintains distribution area documentation / barcoding

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.
• When equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs.

Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean and organized work area around the equipment and warehouse as well as assist with general housekeeping in all areas of the plant
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors
• Perform all Batch Output Sanitation and documentation
• Helps maintain cleanliness in the work area for all inspections

Communications

• As a member of the Production team, ensures the effective shift communication and teamwork with the other operators occurs each scheduled shift
• 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 teamwork among production team members
• Assist in coaching employees as requested by the management team

Personal Development

• Continuously improve your knowledge of the Batch Output.
• Become familiar with SunOpta 360.
• Completes and adheres to the annual Alchemy Schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Should have basic knowledge of automated or computerized system operations. Individual should be able to operate a forklift and other material handling equipment in tight and congested areas. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Forklift certified by SunOpta

• Must be able to stand (12) hours for long periods of time and lift a minimum 30-50 pounds frequently and push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads
• Must be able to go up and down stairways as well as off and on forklifts in a timely manner repeatedly throughout the shift
• Must be able to maintain a good attendance record
• Must have accurate and detailed record keeping and legible handwriting
• Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues
• Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination.
• Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management
• Ability to access a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production.
• Must have basic math skills
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills
• Work (12) hours as required as well as any overtime that may be scheduled when additional coverage is needed.

Education:

High school diploma, or GED

Experience

Entry Level - willing to train

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. Basic to intermediate Forklift operational abilities, basic understanding of the oracle system and handhelds.

Travel Requirements:

None.

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.

A 24/7 36/48-hour work week will be considered normal. Extra hours, off hours, and extra work days may be required to accommodate new projects, product development, and other special situations.

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 two-story machine several times per hour. Frequently talk or listen. Frequently work near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally work in high places, occasionally exposed to airborne particles, occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

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

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match

• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays

• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED