Job Description

Process Operator – Cool Whip (Union Hourly Role)

Location: Avon, NY
Company: Kraft Heinz

Schedule

• Primary Shift: 3rd Shift (10:00 PM – 6:30 AM)
• Overtime: Mandatory as required
• Training Requirement: Must train on 1st shift for 6 weeks (6:00 AM – 2:30 PM)

The Kraft Heinz Company is seeking a Process Operator to support Cool Whip production at our Avon, NY facility. This role is responsible for safely operating processing and filling equipment while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency

Successful candidates are team-oriented, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement. This position plays a key role in ensuring our products meet strict quality and food safety standards.

Basic Purpose

Ensure Cool Whip® emulsion is cooled, aged, processed, whipped, filled, lidded, weighed, properly coded, and transferred to packaging safely and efficiently to meet quality and production goals.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Equipment Operation

• Operate, monitor, and make minor adjustments to holding, pumping, whipping, and filling equipment
• Safely operate bowl dispensing equipment and Cherry-Burrell fillers
• Understand control systems, drive power differences, and filler jam detection systems
• Monitor filler beds, respond to alarms, and safely clear jams
• Operate auto lid handling (ALH) systems and perform manual lid loading as needed
• Operate weight control systems in compliance with quality and regulatory guidelines
• Monitor remelt systems and perform thawing when necessary
• Stage and manage remelt waste carts

Sanitation & Cleaning

• Perform scheduled sanitation and CIP (Clean-In-Place) cleaning of processing equipment
• Safely handle and use chemicals
• Complete weekend and changeover cleaning activities, including:
  • Fillers, hoppers, manifolds, y-pipes, sparge tubes, hoses, and other equipment
• Conduct floor scrubbing and production-related sanitation tasks
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in compliance with GMP standards

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety rules, GMP, HACCP, and QRMP programs
• Adhere to Lockout/Tagout procedures for all applicable equipment
• Wear required PPE (safety shoes, hearing protection, hairnets/beardnets, etc.)
• Identify and report unsafe conditions or defective equipment
• Ensure safety of self and others at all times

Quality & Documentation

• Maintain product quality standards and specifications
• Record QC testing results, downtime, audits, and equipment performance data
• Complete production and packaging traceability documentation accurately
• Understand and follow production schedules
• Follow all OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) reporting requirements

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding production and changeovers
• Assist with training of other employees as needed
• Participate in audits and continuous improvement initiatives

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance and periodic cleaning tasks
• Support rework activities as assigned
• Move waste, trash, and materials to designated areas
• Complete all other duties assigned by Supervisor or Group Leader

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• Attention to detail
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Time management and ability to follow directions
• Ability to train others

Basic Requirements:

• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math calculations
• Demonstrated computer skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical Demands

• 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

Work Environment

• Working in hot and cold environments (90 degrees/ -35 degrees F)
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. During his/her career, the employee will be exposed during his/her career to high noise levels, chemicals, frozen products, fumes or airborne particles, constant stair climbing, and slippery floors.
• Personal Protective Equipment: The employee is regularly required to wear company-authorized safety shoes, hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, rubber boots, chemical protection, and other personal protective equipment to perform the functions of this job safely and successfully.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting Pay: $22.69/hour
• Shift Differential:
  • 2nd Shift: +$1.25/hour
  • 3rd Shift: +$2.50/hour
• Paid vacation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Pet insurance
• 401k Retirement with up to 7% company match

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 disrupt 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 lead 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. All 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.

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 NATAI@kraftheinz.com

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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com