ILLES Foods Job Description 

Job Title: Small Pack Production Operator A 

Reports To: Dry Production Manager 

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt 

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-3pm / Mon-Thurs 6am-5pm (Finish times subject to change routinely) 

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: 

• Verify materials, film, and labels against batch sheet; load correct label files and get QA approval. 

• Assist with pouch filler setup, ensuring correct, clean tooling and standard settings; operate machine with guidance. 

• Follow production sequence and changeover procedures; monitor equipment, HMI, and indicators for safe, efficient operation. 

• Inspect product quality, including seals, weight, and print; perform seal leak tests and collect QA samples. 

• Maintain SPC charts and adjust machine settings as needed; report equipment issues promptly. 

• Load materials into machines, stack finished goods, and label containers  

• Train on filling accuracy, using RiteTime, completing job outputs in Ross, and applying LPNs. 

• Clean and maintain equipment per safety standards; support one production line and operate packaging equipment safely. 

• Learn basic forklift operation; maintain clear communication and meet food safety and quality standards. 

• Perform additional duties as assigned; regular attendance required. 

Required Key Skills and Qualifications: 

• Time management & reliability: Completes tasks on schedule; maintains regular attendance; prioritizes duties to meet production targets. 

• Safety & compliance: Follows GMP, BRC, and company safety protocols; cleans and maintains equipment according to standards. 

• Communication: Clearly communicates with team and supervisors; provides updates on equipment or production issues. 

• Active listening: Pays attention to instructions; responds to QA and production guidance accurately. 

• Inventory management: Loads materials correctly; verifies labels and film; tracks product and container usage. 

• Flexibility/adaptability: Adjusts to equipment or line changes; supports different packaging tasks as needed. 

• Digital literacy: Uses RiteTime, Ross, and HMI systems to document production data and monitor equipment 

• Problem-solving (critical thinking): Identifies equipment or production issues; adjusts machine settings to maintain quality and flow. 

• Team coordination: Works with others to maintain smooth operations; assists in training and supports team workflow. 

• Conflict resolution: Raises and addresses equipment or process issues promptly to minimize disruption. 

Experience & Education: 

High School or Equivalent or the ability to obtain within specified time. Minimum 1 year Food Industry Experience plus minimum 6 months Small Packaging Equipment experience required. 

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. (M/F/D/V)