Cold Storage Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

At Danone, manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams.

The Cold Storage Forklift Operator is a self-driven/self-motivated individual capable of working proficiently, both independently and as part of a team. The successful individual must have a passion for safety and be able to foster effective working relationships built upon trust and respect within all levels of the organization. This position safely and efficiently operates assigned equipment to receive and ship quality product at prescribed standards while minimizing waste and product loss. The position oversees and actively participates in all aspects of DC functions. This position rotates across varied Distribution Center Positions, multi-tasks and effectively interacts on a timely basis via appropriate communication media with customers/employees. The cold storage operator must maintain a thorough knowledge of the operating systems and quality standards.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Ensure adherence to plant standards (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, CODES, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE). As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate in and own the implementation and deployment of IWS or related integrated work systems and corresponding pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format and completed with all required information
• Maintain FIFO inventory system of raw materials and finished product
• Operate warehouse management systems to print and apply pallet tickets, ability to perform changes in SAP or other required systems as needed
• Completes PM's and other routine operator maintenance tasks; assist in diagnostics, repairs and rebuilds of dock equipment; partner with maintenance or others on non-routine repairs and defect handling.
• Monitor equipment for malfunctions and defects, repairing and solving minor problems without assistance and eliminating potential threats to quality or customer service
• Communicate effectively with leadership or management, forepersons, and maintenance personnel regarding recurring problems and needs for repair
• Take part in PM's and utilize the Root Cause thought process to ensure corrective actions are sustainable
• Maintain communication with other departments, management and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns
• Contributes to a continuous improvement mindset, actively participate in identifying and correcting opportunities to improve processes including participation in the creation and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions, the creation and maintenance of preventative maintenance standards, the writing of One Point Lessons, and participation in continuous improvement methodology events
• Follow QMS, Good Manufacturing Practices and 5S methodology to maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area, maintaining audit ready status at all times
• Actively participate in Pillar activities (i.e. Quality, Focused Improvement, Safety, etc.) including but not limited to observations, inspections, and recommendations.
• Works diligently to achieve Business Unit Goals
• Ensure clean and inspect standards are up to date and completed in a timely manner
• Ensure lubrication standards are up to date and completed timely; maintain lubrication logs
• Supports plant production needs and priorities to achieve plant goals
• Facilitate, attend and participate in team meetings and programs
• Assist, train, and coach employees.
• Comply with all regulations, policies and procedures
• All other duties as assigned or become evident

Qualifications

This section identifies the minimum job specifications required to perform the job.

1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to learn all functions of job and complete required trainings for position within a reasonable amount of time
• Basic PC skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven decision making ability
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Ability to read and understand written instructions and to keep accurate written records
• Ability to work various hours and shifts
• Able to work overtime when required
• Flexibility

Education and Experience

• High School education or equivalent
• Achieve and maintain required certifications

Materials and Equipment Directly Used:

Industrial power equipment (forklift, scissor lift, pallet jack, etc.)

Office machinery including: computers/tablets, printers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.

Software including: Microsoft Office including Outlook and Excel: Warehouse Software, SAP, Smartsheets

Various equipment to include hand tools, compactors and various cleaning machines

Working Conditions

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. The employee will lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The Distribution Center's temperature is 38° F. Work is performed throughout the facility. Potential hazards include proximity of moving machinery, chemical exposure, noise, and heavy lifting. The position may require an individual to stand, stoop, move equipment; bend, reach, or lift for prolonged periods of time. Personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, hearing protection and slip resistant steel toed shoes.