Operations Material Handler I

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

Operations Material Handler I is responsible for performing all tasks involving the delivery of raw materials and the palletizing, documentation, and storage of all finished goods. Operate all energized and non-energized Forklift and Palletizing equipment including Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, Floor Scrubber, Palletizing Robot and shrink wrap machines. Ensure efficient operation of equipment as well as maintaining all paperwork accurately. Follow written and verbal instructions to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met. Assume responsibility for safety, quality, and effective communication relevant to shift and plant performance. Must have high integrity, honesty, and be capable of handling situations calmly. A keen eye for detail will be needed in a physically demanding environment.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Utilizing the Oracle production tools and wireless handheld RF scanners to generate labels placing them on pallets and account for inventory.
• Scan bar codes to make sure codes are accurate and readable.
• Places finished product pallets in the warehouse processing all necessary moves including immediate transactions for the final locations.
• Communicate with all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that hinder production.
• Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in palletizing robot.
• Maintain all forklift inspection prior to shift with accurate documentation
• Conducts require quality checks to assure standards are met.
• Maintains communications within production team ensuring smooth shift transitions, etc.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities.
• Monitor raw packaging material and supplies to ensure it is supplied in an efficient manner to support production including cardboard, laminate, glue, etc.
• Maintain ingredients and material in a First In First Out basis (FIFO)
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork.
• Must be able to work both independently as well as professionally with other team members.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Should have concrete knowledge of automated or computerized system operations. Individuals should be able to operate a forklift and other material handling equipment in tight and congested areas. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Forklift certified with SunOpta.
• Works with minimal amount of supervision
• Team player
• Able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision.
• Able to keep operating logs and records.
• Able to read manuals and problem solve.
• Good past work history
• Good attendance record
• Able to stand for long periods of time (12) hours.
• Able to climb off and on forklift/stairs on a regular basis.
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds frequently - move/transfer cases and pallets.
• Package integrity
• Trouble shooting
• Hygiene
• Communication

Education/ Experience:

High school diploma, or GED; Entry level - willing to train.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Follows all plant safety rules.
• Complies with Good manufacturing practices.
• Reports all accidents to the production supervisor.
• Serves an active role in the plant safety program by attending safety meetings, participating in monthly safety inspections, and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Production Supervisor.

Quality:

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines.
• Follows SOPs on truck inspection for loading and unloading.
• Responsible for compliance with the HACCP program
• Must adhere to and follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
• Accurately prepares and maintains distribution area documentation / barcoding.

Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean and organized work area around the equipment and warehouse as well as assist with general housekeeping in all areas of the plant.
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping.
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors.
• Perform all warehouse Sanitation process with documentation.

Communications

• As a member of the Production team, ensures the effective shift communication and teamwork with the other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.
• Maintain communication with shift supervisor as well as Warehouse Shipping and Receiving Manager
• When utilizing the handheld radios employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communicating

Teamwork and Training

• Promotes and contributes to the development of teamwork among production team members.
• Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.

Personal Development

• Continuous improvement of knowledge of the batch output and distribution/downline area as well as all other areas in the plant

Other Skills and Abilities.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills critical

Other Qualifications

Must be able to work flexible hours.

Travel Requirements:

Travel to other facilities and training may be required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics/physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to wet and / or humid conditions (non-weather); moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

A 24/7 36/48-hour work week will be considered normal. Extra hours, off hours, and extra work days may be required to accommodate new projects, product development, and other special situations.

The employee must occasionally sit, lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, grasp, type; reach with hands and arms; lean, crouch, stoop, kneel, or crawl; climb up and down ladders or stairs. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee is required to climb and operate a multi-story machine several times per hour. Frequently talk or listen. Frequently work near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally work in high places, occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED