The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.
OVERVIEW
The Packaging Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining packaging and related production equipment to support consistent, high‑quality manufacturing output. This role ensures that products are packed accurately, safely, and in compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards while completing required documentation.
This position requires the flexibility to work various shifts, including Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and overtime, as needed. Weekend shifts may be mandated based on business needs.
Operator I Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions listed in all tiers.
Leveling summary: Works from SOPs under direct supervision; performs basic operating tasks and minor adjustments; escalates issues promptly.
- Operate assigned packaging machine(s) or production equipment under supervision and according to SOPs
- Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and changeovers with some oversight according to procedures
- Learn emergency procedures, E-stop locations, and basic Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) awareness
- Ability to understand and follow assigned production schedules.
- Feed packaging materials to equipment and remove finished product as required
- Perform basic operational adjustments, including clearing jams, cleaning sensors, and making minor part positioning corrections
- Performs quality control by inspecting equipment, critical control points (e.g. metal detector, magnets, screen, etc. and perform weight checks)
- Accurately complete required production documentation (e.g. quality, and food safety documentation, production counts, downtime, and scrap/reject reporting to support OEE tracking)
- Use and understand production and equipment systems to support equipment operation and efficiency. Knowledge in technological applications (e.g. RedZone, Beyond Trucks, Access, Sage etc.) to evaluate line performance/OEE and record production data
- Basic understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
- Operate forklifts and material‑handling equipment once trained and authorized, as needed
- Use basic hand tools safely as required for assigned tasks
- Identify and report abnormal equipment operation, quality/packaging defects, material issues, or unsafe conditions
- Immediately report equipment damage, spills, accidents, near-misses, injuries, downtime, or any food safety/quality concerns to supervision
- Perform assigned cleaning, sanitation, and housekeeping tasks
- Follow all company safety rules, food safety programs, GMPs, and sanitation requirements
- Demonstrate correct use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
- Maintains a positive, professional, and team‑oriented approach; is approachable and works effectively with others to support production needs.
- Participate in required classroom, on-the-job, and cross-training activities
- Follow assigned work and break schedules
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of production operations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to follow instructions, safety rules, and standard procedures
- Ability to learn new tasks, equipment, and processes through training
- Ability to work safely and maintain attention to detail in a production environment
- Ability to use basic tools and equipment safely
- Ability to observe conditions, recognize when something is not normal, and report issues
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervision
- Ability to maintain accuracy, reliability, and focus during routine and repetitive work
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and production needs
- Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require
Supervisory responsibilities
Required education and experience
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required
- Manufacturing or food production experience preferred
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical skills
Work environment and physical demands
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, varying temperatures, and moving equipment
- Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, grasp, kneel, and climb stairs/ladders
- Ability to regularly lift, move, and handle up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to wear required PPE for the duration of the work shift
Travel required
- The home office for this role is indicated at the top of this job description. Travel to other ASR/Ingredients Plus locations may be required as business needs arise.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
