Small Pack Production Operator A

ILLES Foods Job Description 

Job Title: Small Pack Production Operator A

Reports To: Dry Production Manager  

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt, On-Site 

About Us:   
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development.  As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external. 

Job Summary:
The Successful candidate is responsible for operating all equipment used in the production of finished goods in accordance with process and quality standards to meet production schedules assigned. They will perform production activities and operate production equipment in accordance with BRC requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), as well as all Illes SOP’s, Quality standards and time sequences. Partner conducts themselves in a manner that is aligned with Illes Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Check bulk materials, film, ribbon, cases, shaker bottles, and labels against batch sheet. Select and load the correct labels, enter variable information, and get QA approval. 

• Set up and operate pouch filling machine, ensuring correct tooling is in place and clean. Follow established procedures and production sequence. 

• Load pallets of bulk material to the mezzanine. Perform job changeover procedures. 

• Monitor equipment and ensure safe, efficient operation while running the machine. Perform seal leak testing and visually inspect materials for conformance to standards (seal integrity, print quality, weight). 

• Report equipment malfunctions and monitor HMI, gauges, and indicators to ensure adherence to production standards. 

• Accurately fill pouches, maintain SPC charts, adjust machines, and complete job outputs in Ross. 

• Safely operate all packaging equipment, maintain clean equipment per safety standards, and ensure food safety and quality standards are maintained. 

• Perform other tasks as assigned. Regular attendance is required. 

Required Key Skills and Qualifications: 

• Active Listening - Fully understanding instructions and addressing concerns without interrupting, ensuring clear communication. 

• Equipment Maintenance - Performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting to keep machines running efficiently. 

• Coordination - Adjusting actions in response to team dynamics, ensuring smooth operations. 

• Judgment and Decision Making - Evaluating options to make informed decisions that benefit production efficiency. 

• Time Management - Effectively managing one's time, including meeting deadlines and maintaining productivity. 

Experience & Education: 
High School or Equivalent or the ability to obtain same within specified time. Minimum 1 year Food Industry Experience plus minimum 6 months Small Packaging Equipment experience preferred. Ability to obtain forklift certification.  

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: 

• Lifting: Ability to continuously lift weights ranging from up to 50 lbs. vertically from various heights. 

• Carrying: Ability to carry up to 55 lbs. horizontally over distances up to 15 feet. 

• Push-Pull: Ability to horizontally transfer force up to 100 lbs. using a sled. 

• Climbing: Ascending and descending steps and ladders continuously up to 12 inches and with ladders up to 16 rungs. 

• Standing: Ability to stand continuously. 

• Temperatures: Varies from 55 to 110 degrees 

What We Offer: 
We are a core-value driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!  

Disclaimer: 
The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated at any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). (M/F/D/V)