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Job DetailsJob Location: NEW LENOX, IL 60451Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Job Title: Machine Operator

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Department / Group: Production

Position Type: Full-Time

Location: New Lenox, IL

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

About Us

NLX Beverage Solutions, now integrated into Finlays Solutions, brings together specialized beverage manufacturing expertise with the scale of a global industry leader.

Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs.

Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long‑term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company’s dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Job Summary

The Filler Operator is responsible for the filling & packing of products according to the individual work order specifications following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) and safety procedures. Individuals must maintain a safe and pleasant manner while ensuring the department meets its goal of completing as many work orders per day as possible, with maximum safety, quality, and accuracy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Learn, practice, and adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) established for Manufacturing

Learn, practice, and adhere to all Safety and Quality policies and procedures

Learn, practice, and adhere to Filler Department Policies and Procedures.

Learn, practice, and adhere to all processing, change over, clean-up, and sanitation procedures related to equipment and machines in the department, per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Safe, effective and efficient set-up and operation of filler machines and all related equipment to meet the Work Order (WO) instructions per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and safety instructions

Process Work Orders efficiently and accurately per instructions and the daily production schedule

Responsible for sterilization and manual washing of machine components, including CIP and SIP

Responsible for monitoring and maintaining quality of product and processes and making required operating adjustments

Perform regular quality testing

Assist with minor repair and maintenance of machines

Responsible for the documentation of products for the filler and capper machines; including taking weights, teardowns to check integrity of the cartons, assuring caps are on properly, downtime recording, documenting necessary information on the sanitation log

Perform fill volume and fill weight checks and make volume or net weight adjustments as necessary

Observe entrance of cartons into the machine to detect damaged or defective cartons which would jam the machine. Remove defective cartons when needed

Maintain and refill supply of caps and cases to machine to insure proper plant operation at all times

Assure caps and cases are properly applied and sealed; including inspection of cap glue pattern and case integrity

Learn and follow the process flow and step by step requirements for aseptic manufacturing

Complete all assigned cleaning tasks as required by the master cleaning schedule or assigned cleaning tasks

Work with Quality team to ensure food safety and quality standards are met

Understand all part numbers, lot numbers, and product descriptions as they relate to the Work Order (WO)

Demonstrate good judgment by reacting to unsafe acts or conditions by making them safe or reporting them immediately to those who can correct them

Learn and practice Lean Manufacturing to improve efficiency and eliminate waste

Update and maintain all required logs and paperwork within the department (i.e.: equipment use, cleaning logs, Work Order (WO), etc.) legibly and accurately

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment to ensure employee safety, product integrity and efficiency

Perform assigned tasks while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as required

Must maintain confidentiality at all times and have regular and reliable attendance

Work in other areas as needed and perform other duties as assigned

QualificationsQualifications & Requirements

Education: [Required degree, diploma, or certification level — e.g., High School Diploma / GED required; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred]

Experience: [Required years and type of relevant experience — e.g., 2+ years in food manufacturing, operations, or a related field]

Skills: [Key technical or functional skills required — e.g., proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, or relevant equipment]

Certifications: [Industry-specific knowledge or certifications — e.g., GMP, HACCP, SQF, food safety standards, or role-specific licensure]

Other: [Any additional qualifications — e.g., bilingual English/Spanish a plus, valid driver's license, or physical requirements specific to the role]

Physical Demands

Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours during peak periods or critical operations

Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks

Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment

Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety

Work Environment

Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation. Work environment may involve exposure to inclement weather. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols.

Quality Statement

Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to “be the best” as we produce “only the best”. Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following:

Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.

Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.

Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.

Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.

Adhere to all health and safety work practices.

Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.

Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.

Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.

Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.