The posting
Job Description
Backline Operator - Oscar Mayer Lunchables
Department: Production Location: Avon, NY Reports To: Production Supervisor Union: Teamsters 118
Openings on 1st & 3rd Shift!
Position Summary
The Kraft Heinz Company is currently seeking a Backline Operator to work at our food processing facility in Avon, NY. The Backline Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, adjusting, cleaning, and sanitizing packaging equipment used in the production of Lunchables products while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, food safety, traceability, and production requirements. The Backline Operator plays a critical role in maintaining material accuracy, product quality, and efficient production flow.
Basic Purpose
To safely and efficiently operate Backline packaging equipment while ensuring proper product quality, material traceability, coding accuracy, packaging integrity, and adherence to Kraft Heinz food safety and quality standards.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions
- Operate and monitor Back Card Placers, Case Packers, overhead conveyor systems, and associated packaging equipment used in the production of Lunchables products.
- Adjust machine settings to maintain quality specifications and production standards.
- Monitor equipment performance and perform basic troubleshooting and corrective actions.
- Clear jams from overhead conveyor systems using proper safety procedures and established operating standards.
- Verify back cards, packaging materials, and components against the Bill of Material (BOM) to ensure material accuracy and traceability.
- Complete required 2D barcode documentation, traceability records, and production paperwork accurately and timely.
- Monitor and maintain product code date and product identification accuracy on trays and cases.
- Verify product codes, labels, date codes, trays, and cases meet quality and customer specifications.
- Monitor material usage and maintain material accountability throughout the production process.
- Perform startup, shutdown, and changeover activities.
- Maintain housekeeping standards throughout the production shift.
- Communicate equipment performance, quality concerns, and operational issues to incoming shifts and leadership.
- Participate in QRMP audits and continuous improvement activities.
- Train and assist other employees as required.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Safety Responsibilities
- Follow all plant safety rules, policies, and procedures.
- Become certified in Lockout/Tagout procedures.
- Maintain certifications required for powered industrial equipment, scissor lifts, ladder use, and fall protection.
- Complete required equipment inspections.
- Wear and maintain required PPE.
- Report unsafe conditions immediately.
- Support Kraft Heinz's safety-first culture.
Sanitation Responsibilities
- Clean and sanitize machinery, floors, drains, tools, and workstation equipment.
- Disassemble and reassemble equipment for sanitation activities.
- Conduct post-cleaning inspections.
- Safely handle cleaning chemicals and sanitation equipment.
- Perform periodic cleaning throughout production and storage areas.
- Remove waste, recyclables, and product materials as required.
- Maintain sanitation compliance in accordance with Kraft Heinz standards.
Quality Assurance Responsibilities
- Ensure products meet Kraft Heinz Quality Assurance standards.
- Verify product coding, packaging specifications, traceability requirements, and component accuracy.
- Monitor product quality and take corrective action when necessary.
- Complete required quality, traceability, and production documentation.
- Communicate quality concerns immediately.
- Support food safety, GMP, and QRMP requirements.
- Participate in quality audits and corrective action activities.
Skills Profile
Technical Skills
- Packaging equipment operation
- Mechanical aptitude
- Troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance awareness
- Computer and tablet use
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Food safety and sanitation knowledge
- Material verification and traceability
Professional Competencies
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Leadership
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Accountability
- Continuous Improvement
Physical Requirements
- Standing up to 12 hours a day
- Lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs. including overhead work
- Repetitive motion with hands
- Kneeling
- Twisting
- Squatting
- Climbing stairs
- Working in hot and cold environments (Lunchables 40°F, Cool Whip 90°F / -35°F, Cold Storage 0°F)
- Working in loud environments over 85 decibels
- Able to give and understand instructions and hold conversations in a manufacturing environment, office setting, or classroom setting.
- Must operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
- Ability to obtain required operational and safety certifications.
- Basic computer proficiency.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior manufacturing experience.
- Prior food manufacturing experience.
- Previous machine operation experience.
- Experience working in regulated production environments.
Working Conditions
This position works in a food manufacturing environment and may be exposed to:
- Moving mechanical parts
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Food allergens
- Cleaning chemicals
- High noise levels
- Cold temperatures
- Production and packaging equipment
- Shift work, overtime, weekends, and holidays
Benefits Overview
In addition to competitive pay, Kraft Heinz offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial future, and personal well-being, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- HRA and Optional Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) with Company Match and Additional Core Contribution
- Company-Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet Insurance and Voluntary Benefits
- Maven Family Support Resources
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Shift Differentials and Overtime Opportunities
- Growth and Advancement Opportunities
Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
Compensation Overview
- Starting Pay: $21.60/hour
- Second Shift Differential: $1.25/hour
- Third Shift Differential: $2.50/hour
About Us
Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to redefine not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.
Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility, and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet! We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and own the future of food.
Why Us
We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and commitment to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions while celebrating our wins and our failures as we work together to lead the future of food.
Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and cultivating strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we're growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
- Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
- Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
- Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
- Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Avon Plant
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected].
