Entry Packaging Team Member - 1st Shift

Overview

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day. As a Packaging Team Member, you’ll be at the center of our operation, helping ensure products are packaged safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You’ll operate, monitor, and maintain packaging equipment, monitor processes, and contribute to the food experiences we deliver to millions of consumers.

This role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement, with the goal of making mealtime easier, safer, and more enjoyable for families.

Employee Type Full time

Location IL Elk Grove

Job Type Production Group

Job Posting Title Entry Packaging Team Member - 1st Shift

Schedule 1st shift 6:00am to 4:30pm, Monday - Friday, with rotating for Saturday work based on production schedule.

Work Location 1325 Chase Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Salary Based on experience and other qualifications: 1st Shift $20.75 per hour.

Benefits Based on Union Contract Provisions.

• Operate basic packaging machinery (depalletizers, palletizers, conveyors, forklifts).
• Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly.
• Use technical skills in SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to keep Packaging flowing.
• Perform routine operation checks.
• Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and packaging.
• Perform manual packing and palletizing.
• Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.
• Accurately complete basic production paperwork and report issues to supervisors.
• Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.
• Participate in 5S efforts.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
• Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.
• 18+ years of age.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production line equipment, including cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers.
• For higher levels, demonstrate expert troubleshooting of high-speed packaging equipment and strong understanding of theory of operation.
• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.
• Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed.
• Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.
• Must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment.

• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a team-first mindset.
• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels).
• Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision.

• Stand and walk for extended periods; may involve climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, and stooping.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision; normal hearing with or without correction.
• Must wear required PPE and follow safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out as instructed.
• Exposure to varying conditions depending on area; maintain a clean and safe work environment and report safety or quality issues promptly.

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and equal employment opportunities for all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At Winland Foods, we are passionate about creating exceptional food experiences. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products, including pasta and sauces, plant-based proteins, and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and private-label solutions for retail and food service channels.

We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table. We are committed to Quality,…