Packaging Operator

**WHO WE ARE**

Gwillimdale Farms is family owned/operated and based in beautiful Bradford Ontario, just 10 minutes from the downtown core. We here at Gwillimdale Farms do more than just grow vegetables, we are growing our business. We supply our produce both locally and abroad, working in tandem with food manufacturers, retailers, food service providers, and wholesale distributors. We believe our biggest asset is our team. We are always striving to build a better team and better work environment through continuing efforts in the areas of safety, education, and personal development.

**YOUR CONTRIBUTION**

The Packing Line Lead is responsible for ensuring root vegetables are packed correctly and made ready for distribution. They help manage a team of staff involved in various packaging and warehousing processes, including organizing customer orders, the flow of incoming product, washing, grading, packing, palletizing, and the flow of outgoing product.

The Packing Line Lead works closely with plant supervisors and the plant manager. They must maintain optimal productivity and efficiency, have an ability to adjust and troubleshoot equipment, report equipment malfunctions to industrial maintenance staff, and clean packaging equipment as directed. They must also ensure that quality and food safety standards are maintained and that the packaged products meet customer and Gwillimdale standards.

The Packing Line Lead reports directly to the plant manager. To do well in the role, they must have a combination of people skills, technical knowledge, an eye for detail, and excellent time management and organizational skills.

**JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES (this list is not exhaustive)**
- Ensure equipment is working efficiently and adjust and calibrate automated grading equipment as well as make appropriate changes to labels and date codes.
- Coordinate the flow of goods at each stage of packing - beginning, work in progress, and finished goods.
- Responsible for documentation of traceability and production records.
- Inspect packaged product for proper weight.
- Verify proper packaging materials and ensure proper product is being placed within the packaging.
- Ensure the appropriate documentation of machine malfunctions. Implement Lockout/Tagout as required.
- Assist with leading, coaching, mentoring, and training team members.

**JOB REQUIREMENTS**

**Experience**:

- Minimum 1-2 years’ experience working in a manufacturing environment.
- Previous supervisory/team lead experience.
- Previous machine operation in a processing/packing capacity is an asset.
- Previous experience with food packaging is an asset.
- Previous experience in a food processing environment is an asset.
- Trade qualification/education in a relevant field such as electrical or mechanical engineering is an asset.
- Forklift license is an asset.

**Skills and Abilities**:

- Strong people management and leadership skills.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
- Strong work ethic, time management skills, and attention to detail.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with a mechanical aptitude. E.g., Line lead must be able to quickly establish a situation and be decisive in solving it, such as identifying defects in the line operation and making minor repairs.
- Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.
- Must be flexible. May be required to work additional time or on Saturdays depending on production needs.

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- Competitive pay starting at $24.00 per hour
- Weekly pay
- Performance based bonus pay
- Comprehensive company paid employee group benefits plan (extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, short
- and long-term disability insurance, employee assistance plan)
- Paid personal leave days
- Paid parental leave days
- Paid bereavement leave days
- Company funded uniform and safety boot program
- Extensive training program and support for further work-related education
- Company events
- And free veggies

**WORK SCHEDULE**

Monday - Friday, 10-hour shift, between the hours of 6:30am - 5:30pm**

*During busy season, occasional Saturday work may be required.

**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: From $24.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

- Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
- Do you have experience working in food processing or packaging?
- Do you have a have a reliable vehicle to get to work? This location is in a rural area, with no access to public transportation.
- Do you have supervisory or team lead experienc