Associate Packer Jobs in Monroe, NC (NOW HIRING)

About Plat du Jour (PDJ)

Plat du Jour (PDJ) is a precision meal platform producing high-quality, ready-to-eat meals and components at scale. PDJ operates at the intersection of culinary excellence and operational discipline, combining chef-driven food with the consistency, structure, and efficiency of a food manufacturing environment. This is not a restaurant kitchen — our operation is built around batch production, process control, food safety, and consistency at scale. The Production Packer Associate is a critical member of the team responsible for ensuring that every finished product that leaves our facility meets PDJ's quality, accuracy, and presentation standards.

Position Overview

PDJ is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Production Packer Associate to support daily packaging and finished product operations. This is a hands-on role focused on the packing line — assembling, filling, sealing, labeling, and quality-checking finished meal products to ensure every order that moves to fulfillment meets PDJ's exacting standards.

The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, a sharp eye for detail, takes food safety seriously, and takes genuine pride in executing accurately and consistently across every product they pack. This role works under the direct supervision of the Production Manager / Sous Chef and plays a direct role in the quality and presentation of every product PDJ delivers to its customers.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging & Packing Operations

• Portion ingredients into meal trays or bags according to PDJ's packaging specifications, portioning standards, and presentation requirements
• Verify that each finished product meets established quality standards for appearance, weight, portion accuracy, and packaging integrity before it moves to fulfillment
• Apply product labels accurately, ensuring correct SKU, date, allergen information, and any required regulatory labeling
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient packing station throughout the shift
• Work at a consistent pace to meet packaging targets without compromising quality or food safety standards
• Inspect packaging materials for defects before use and communicate any material shortages, equipment issues, or quality concerns to the Production Manager immediately
• Support packing line setup and changeovers between product runs as directed

Quality Verification & Accuracy

• Perform visual and weight checks on finished products throughout the packing shift to identify and correct any deviations from PDJ's quality standards
• Ensure all allergen declarations, lot codes, and use-by dates on product labels are accurate and legible before product is sealed and staged
• Flag any finished product that does not meet quality, weight, or presentation standards and hold it for review before it proceeds to fulfillment
• Maintain accurate packing records and production counts as directed

Food Safety, Sanitation & GMP Compliance

• Follow all GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) requirements including proper handwashing, personal hygiene, uniform compliance, and facility conduct standards at all times
• Maintain strict allergen awareness and follow allergen handling and segregation protocols as directed throughout all packing operations
• Complete assigned cleaning and sanitation tasks for the packing station, equipment, and surrounding production areas at the start, during, and end of each shift
• Complete all required food safety documentation accurately, including production records and cleaning checklists
• Adhere to all HACCP protocols and food safety standards applicable to a food manufacturing and packaging environment
• Report any food safety concerns, contamination risks, labeling errors, or GMP violations to the Production Manager or QA Technician immediately

General Production Support

• Assist with staging finished goods and coordinating handoff of packed products to the Shipping, Receiving & Fulfillment team
• Support equipment setup, changeovers, and cleaning between production and packing runs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift in compliance with PDJ standards
• Assist other team members and production departments as directed to support overall daily output goals
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a food production, food manufacturing, commissary, food packaging, or commercial kitchen environment preferred
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to portion accuracy, label accuracy, product quality, and packaging integrity
• Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices; Food Handler certification preferred or must be obtained within 30 days of hire
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently
• Reliable, punctual, and able to sustain focused, repetitive physical work over the course of a full production shift
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced, structured production environment
• Comfortable working in a process-driven environment where consistency, accuracy, and adherence to quality standards are equally important

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand at a packing station and move throughout the production facility for the duration of a full shift
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to bend, reach, grip, and perform repetitive hand and arm motions throughout the shift
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment including areas with varying temperatures