Blast Cooler Driver

Job Description

Join Kraft Heinz – Blast Cooler Product Driver (LTO)

New Ulm, MN – Home of VELVEETA® and DELI DELUXE®

Afternoons | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

At Kraft Heinz, we believe in rewarding your hard work and dedication with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow. When you join our team, you’re joining a company built on quality and ownership.

• Starting pay: $26.65 per hour
• Benefits begin in 30 days
• Hourly Bonus Program – ask us for details
• Medical options you choose: HRA, HSA, FSA, 5 carrier choices + Rx card
• Vision, dental, life, disability, family planning & childcare support
• Adoption reimbursement & paid parental leave
• Live Well Program:
  Wellness rewards + lifestyle discounts ($50 fitness tracker subsidy!)
• 401(k) Matching + Extra Contribution:
  Added 3% company bonus
• Employee Perks: FREE product & swag
• Learning & Growth:
  Access the award‑winning Ownerversity resource library
• Inclusive Networks:
  Join our Business Resource Groups (BRGs)
• Mental health support via Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

A valid forklift license is required for this position as it is the main part of the job. There are two Bulk Blast Cooler Drivers in the blast cooler. The “Hot” side blast cooler driver is responsible for transporting products from the bulk production line into the blast coolers. The “Cold” side blast cooler driver is responsible for transporting products from the blast cooler to the robots.

Inside the blast coolers the temperature range is about 35-45F. Clothing is provided and there is an area out of the blast coolers where the drivers sit to wait for product that is not as cold. Tracking of materials for cooling times based on code dates and times via visual management and use of the Matrics system (scanning) is required.

FIFO is a priority along with following plant production schedules.

This job works from brief verbal instructions and is expected to work without close supervision. The Bulk Blast Cooler Drivers are members of the Filling Team and actively participate in Green Room Meetings. Work requires simple mathematical skills of addition and subtraction. Communication is expected between Palletizer Operator and/or Line Techs.

This position requires forklift driving. Verify pallets coming into the blast cooler and pallets that will be restacked: product number, code date, case integrity, expanded pallet pattern, and pallet ticket. Scan product and bay into Matrics system for traceability. Tag bays that have different code dates or products. Communicate with production rooms, Palletizers, and DHL for changeovers. Understand and follow the plant’s hold procedures.

Get pallets from dock truck to supply robots. Robots: put pallets in the pallet dispenser, put slip sheets in the slip sheeter. Scan product in and out of Matrics in accordance with inventory record‑keeping requirements.

Notify Palletizer Operator of malfunctioning equipment. Must be able to change the forklift battery. Perform lift truck inspections every shift prior to use.

Responsible for department sanitation as needed, keeping the area clean, following GMPs, and cleaning the blast cooler area as required.

Responsible for traceability using the Matrics system for product locations, number of cases, and proper ticket on pallet. If cases are open, damaged, or otherwise defective, communicate to the Filling room or Palletizer. Follow FIFO and production schedules pertaining to code dates and product cooling times to preserve quality timetables for shipping of cooled product. Follow procedures for retaining product traceability through the restack process.

Follow all safety rules, guidelines for safely operating forklifts, use proper lockout-tagout procedures, and remain aware of heavy forklift traffic.

Light – be able to lift up to 45 lbs. cases/80 lbs. pallets infrequently.

The blast cooler temperatures range from 35‑45F with high fan circulation. Hazards are light, predictable, and controllable. Must think and act quickly and safely in a congested work area. Noise levels require…