Converting Operator

Position Summary:

Associates in the Converting Operator position are responsible for Operating High-Speed Bag Machines to produce quality flexible packaging materials on time in accordance with specific work instructions and applicable safety and quality assurance procedures. In the event of absence, these job responsibilities will be covered by employees in the “Converting Assistant” or “Converting Working Lead” positions.

Responsibilities and Duties:

This job description and performance standard document has been prepared as a guide to ensure better communication and understanding. All responsibilities, however, have not been included, nor could they be. Your Supervisor/Manager may from time to time ask you to perform other related duties not specifically included in this description. Likewise, this description will be revised when required to meet current business needs.

• Checks all tools and equipment at the beginning and end of each shift to ensure good housekeeping is maintained, documents housekeeping as required, and shuts the machine down then contacts the Adjuster or Maintenance whenever quality deviates from the approved sample or the equipment is not running properly. Completes preventative maintenance on machinery and equipment as assigned, and assists Maintenance with repairs.
• Thoroughly reviews and understands the Work instructions, and verifies that all materials and components are available before proceeding with a job set-up. Any discrepancies or points of confusion must be addressed, clarified, and formally revised, if necessary, with the Shift Leader before proceeding with the job.
• Drives strict compliance with all Quality Control procedures to first make sure we are making the product properly (“Approved Set-up Sample”), then to both assure consistency and limit our quality exposure throughout the run by continuously monitoring the process and completing the specified Quality Control reviews (every 2-hours, so many per box, etc.). Carefully monitors “flagged” material to catch documented quality problems from earlier operations.
• Completes daily, weekly, and monthly area housekeeping procedures as required to maintain a clean, safe, and uncluttered work space. Coordinates activities with the Assistant to maximize the current job run efficiency while proactively preparing for the next job to reduce machine down time.
• Coordinates breaks with the other Operators and Assistants to maximize machine run time across the department. Keeping machines running through breaks and lunches is a key priority.
• Shares their knowledge with less-experienced Operators and Assistants.
• Properly clocks in and out of orders and accurately records own time in the information system. Enters comments regarding productivity and scrap into the information system.
• Works proactively and with a sense of urgency to facilitate systematic and timely set-ups on the bag machines. This supports product quality and efficiencies through a consistent approach, and minimizes scrap by starting the converting machine closer to the point of job approval.
• Establishes Job History documentation on new jobs to document the key run parameters including run speeds and machine settings, and follows Job History sheets on reorders to assure production consistency and efficiency from run to run.
• Under broad direction, autonomously runs the bag machine and continuously monitors product quality while maintaining their own “adjustments” to achieve budgeted run speeds, hangs film rolls, replenishes other components, etc. on more than one machine. The Operators have complete responsibility for product quality.
• Packs and labels all products and pallets as specified during the shift.
• Near the end of the shift, makes sure they clock-in the Operator for the next shift into the current job so the machine keeps running during the shift transition.
• After the shift, accurately accounts for and documents all material usage, scrap, and production data into the information system.
• Ensures that all responsibilities and functions performed are in accordance with company and quality procedures as set forth in the Personnel Handbook and the Quality Manual. Participates in quality programs and stays updated on changes to the Quality Manual.
• Supports the company emphasis on teamwork and cooperation to achieve our goals by performing other duties as assigned including working in other departments from time to time and helping with periodic cleanup issues.
• Generates improvement ideas and embraces improvement projects to continuously better the business

Performance Requirements:

• Adherence and alignment to PPC’s Safety Culture and objective of Zero Safety Incidents. Adherence to GMP and food safety standards, with no repeat violations.
• Complete 90 days from date of hire without a repeat Quality issue and in any rolling 90-day period thereafter.
• Properly account for time on DCU with no more than one hour for breaks and lunch and other 11 hours per 12-hour shift.
• Achieve an 85% or greater average efficiency score in the first 90 days of employment. Maintain at least an 85% efficiency score or greater in any rolling 90-day period thereafter.
• Adhere to PPC’s attendance policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Completion of assigned Housekeeping duties and PMs. Provide proper care to the machines and equipment that results in zero damage.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Detail-orientation required for completing required paperwork and information system’s inputs with a high degree of accuracy.
• Previous bag-making experience or similar machine operation, and mechanical aptitude/experience are highly preferred.
• Job experience in an industrial production environment with the related safety training is preferred.
• Able to read and understand work instructions and accept verbal direction to successfully complete procedures and assigned tasks.
• Capable of performing mathematical calculations, and properly using tape measures and micrometers.
• Flexibility in work assignments and priorities is required to address the dynamic needs of our customers and shifts in production requirements.
• Good verbal and written communication skills required, and proven experience with effective teams and continuous improvement methods strongly preferred.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and ensure proper handling of items up to 50 pounds.
• Must travel as required; overnight travel may be required.
• Must be capable of standing for the duration of a work shift less breaks and lunch.
• Must be capable and willing to work in excess of a normal workweek with notice, as outlined in the Personnel Handbook, as production demands dictate.
• Must be able to distinguish and ensure product quality in a fast-paced production environment.
• Must be able to identify, prioritize, and meet multiple expectations for area of responsibility.
• Must have the physical dexterity to bend, stand, flex, and reach as the position dictates.
• Must be able to satisfactorily see and differentiate color per adopted assessment methods in order to assess good from unacceptable print quality on bags.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Willingness to be trained in the proper handling and disposal of Hazardous waste.