Operations Filler Operator

About Sun Opta

Sun Opta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and food service providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, Sun Opta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, food service, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Aseptic Filler I - Day Shift (Basic Knowledge - 90 Days). This role's responsibilities include:
Operations of the Aseptic filling machines and associated machines;
Ensuring the quality and efficiency standards are being met through reduced scrap loss and yield improvements;
Assuming responsibility for the filling area efficiencies, safety, quality following all GMP and PPE requirements;
Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position at the site;
Filling in for vacations and/or cover if other employees are absent.

• Coordinates, sets up, CIPs, swab tests, monitors, and operates Aseptic filling machines to maximize product quality and departmental efficiency.
• Maintains a clean and organized working area, keeping all supplies and materials stocked and set up for the next shift.
• Assists with routine maintenance on all filling machines, communicating with Maintenance and Management.
• Relieves other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Performs a variety of quality checks (weight checks, machine checks, sterility checks, package integrity checks) to assure standards are met.
• Troubleshoots and resolves basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA.
• Works with Management team to monitor operational efficiencies, yields, scrap loss, and other key indicators to actively seek ways to improve plant productivity.
• Work area must always be kept audit ready.
• Wears PPE when required.
• All other duties, as assigned.

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

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines.
• Follows SOPs and SSOPs when making processing adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality liquid-based products.
• Responsible for compliance with the GMPs, HACCP and SQF programs.
• Identifies all critical control points, understanding their functions as it relates to the filling process.

• 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 breakdowns.

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

• As a member of the Production team, ensures the effective shift communication and teamwork with the other operators occurs at 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.

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

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

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Basic math skills.

• Working knowledge of business, computer and math.
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills.

• 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.
• Must be able to stand 12 hours for long periods of time and lift up to 30 pounds frequently and push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads frequently.
• Must be able to go up and down stairways in a timely manner repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Must be able to keep 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 all procedures with all allergens.
• Must follow 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 be able to work around major allergens.
• Must be able to…