Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach's®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.
Position requires ability to work overtime. As a result, it may require working varying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.
Want to Make an Impact?
As a Packaging Operator, you play a critical role in delivering high-quality candy to our customers. You'll take ownership of packaging equipment-from setup and changeovers to adjustments and basic maintenance-keeping operations running safely and efficiently. By following production schedules, inspecting finished packages, and accurately recording data, you help ensure every product meets our quality and food safety standards. Your leadership on the line, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement directly influence productivity, consistency, and how our candy shows up on store shelves every day.
Ways You Will Make a Difference

• Performs all duties associated with the operation of the variety of packaging equipment in the section including the independent setup of all packaging equipment as assigned by the supervisor or production schedule.
• Make independent adjustments and corrections to the piece of equipment to which the operator is assigned, ensuring efficient operation of that particular piece of equipment.
• Directs the production workers assigned to that particular piece of equipment being utilized, to ensure efficient operation in completing the assigned tasks.
• Inspects all production to ensure compliance with specifications for that particular package.
• Operate Redzone manufacturing software via tablets to record production data, complete required quality checks, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform changeovers on the variety of packaging equipment as directed by the supervisor or production planner.
• Apply a clear understanding of written production schedules and instruction manuals
• Perform cursory preventative maintenance duties on assigned equipment.
• May be assigned to calculate, compile, and report production volumes as directed by the packaging supervisor.
• Performs all duties assigned within the packaging section including the packing of cases or caddies, palletizing cases, gathering, mixing, and feeding of product to the packaging equipment, marking cases or cartons, inspection of product, and assembly of cartons or cases.
• Performs the safe operation of a manual or powered pallet jack, also will be required to operate power lift equipment including specialized (narrow-aisle) equipment including but not limited to Forklifts. Require 6-12 months minimum driving experience.

Inherent in each position is a general duty to maintain each respective work area in a safe and sanitary condition. The employee may be required to perform other such duties within the scope of their employment as may be assigned. Regular, predictable, full-time attendance is required as an essential function of this position. Wages, hours, and working conditions are outlined in a Collective Bargaining Agreement between Jelly Belly Candy Company and Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grainmillers International Union, AFL-CIO, Local #125. Overtime as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement is mandatory. An essential function of this job is a requirement to work all hours scheduled.
Skills That Will Make You Successful

• Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

• Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

• Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Experiences That Will Support Your Success

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or three to five years related experience or nine months structured on the job training. Education equivalency is acceptable.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform 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 regularly required to stand. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 35 pounds. The employee must seek assistance on all lifting of over 50 pounds
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will be exposed to strong, pungent smells and a dusty work environment. 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 regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities exist in this position.
What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR
Our diverse portfolio of nearly 35 brands includes SweeTARTS®, Trolli®, BRACH'S®, Black Forest® and NERDS®, along with iconic favorites like Lemonhead®, Red Hots® and Now and Later®. Ferrara also manages the Keebler® and Famous Amos® businesses for The Ferrero Group. Headquartered inChicago, Ferrara has an operational network of 20 locations inNorth Americathat includes manufacturing, distribution and R&D facilities. Learn more at www.ferrarausa.com.
Ferrara, a company related to The Ferrero Group, is an emerging powerhouse in the North American confections and sweet snacking categories. A passionate team of more than 6,000 employees works together to share delight in every bite through leading brands that have shaped the industry for more than 100 years.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.