Machine Operator Lead

Modesto, 215 Hosmer Ave, Modesto, CA 95351, USA

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too:
Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast‑moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, GMPs and wear required PPE while in the warehouse or production areas (including hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard‑toe and slip/oil‑resistant shoes, safety gloves, and seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Responsible for adherence to food quality and food safety standards (e.g., SQF).
• Acquire an in‑depth operational knowledge of assigned line’s operating equipment and ancillary equipment.
• Adhere to the production schedule and communicate with the Supervisor regarding problems or changes.
• Monitor the production line for defects such as downed bottles/cans, low fills, faulty packaging, damage, and misaligned labels, while identifying raw material issues that could impact quality, reduce efficiency, or increase waste.
• Monitor finished product and/or cases for proper closures, seams, date and product codes and damaged or out‑of‑specification packaging.
• Follow SOPs and perform changeovers efficiently and carefully, ensuring correct settings and parts are installed and no mechanical defects exist.
• Record all necessary production and quality data. Keep accurate downtime reports and documentation.
• Perform all end‑of‑shift duties to ensure smooth transition for the incoming shift.
• Work closely with all departments to improve quality, increase efficiency, increase yields and eliminate out‑of‑spec or damaged product; foster a positive team environment to promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Possess practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and can address related inquiries.
• Read, comprehend and adhere to the production schedule, communicate issues or deviations and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain production flow by monitoring downstream/upstream issues, supplying raw materials, and performing minor servicing when needed.
• Follow all Quality Control and Production line SOPs.
• Understand visual and auditory cues to identify machine‑related issues.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance.

• Experience in a high‑speed beverage production environment; ability to operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment independently and efficiently.
• Solid understanding of production machinery and forklifts, including awareness of technical issues.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Forklift certification may be required.
• Problem‑solving skills: troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently, collaborate with others, adapt to changes, and implement new procedures.
• Commitment to continuous improvement practices to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and waste.
• Documentation skills: accurate recording of production data, completion of required paperwork or electronic documentation, and maintenance of organized records.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures to ensure a safe working environment and train team members; timely completion of monthly Alchemy training.
• Effective verbal and written communication with team members and supervisors; follow equipment downtime escalation process schedule.
• Ability to…