DAIRY PROCESS OPERATOR - Processing

Dairy Process OperatorLifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as Kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable Kefir, the company also produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.The Dairy Process Operator in the Processing Department is primarily responsible for ensuring all products are produced to the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and SQF standards and following Lifeway Wisconsin policies and procedures and maintaining pasteurizer and other related equipment within dairy production environment and by performing the following duties.Follow Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP's) for pasteurization of milk and that it meets company's standard for Safe Quality Food (SQF)Monitors the dairy production process and follows the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for batching and processing productsConducts pre-operational sanitation inspections to ensure food processing areas, product contact surfaces and equipment are clean before processing beginsMonitor Lifeway Wisconsin Critical Control Point (Pasteurization)Monitors quality points such as culturing temperature, fat and other related items as they associate with processing dairy productsEnsure paperwork is filled in a clear, legible, and accurate format and completed with the required information.Responsible for reporting unsafe conditions and food safety violations to managerTroubleshoots and resolves basic to moderate operating difficultiesHandles and maintains preventative maintenance schedule for department areaOperates equipment at recommended speeds and temperatures and communicates mechanical and operational defects as they ariseOperates and cleans equipment with a sense of urgency to minimize downtimeUtilizes continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processesPerform duties according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that meet quality and safety standards pertaining to: Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (WDA), and customer requirementsConduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee PolicyPerform additional duties as assignedQualification and Education RequirementsHigh school diploma required; Or three to six months related experience; Or equivalentMust have past experience in food manufacturing facilityDemonstrate intellectual and interpersonal skills through leadership, organization, and self-efficacyAbility to read and write comprehensive reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals and effectively present them to groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general publicBasic mathematical skills and understanding of algebra and geometryKnowledge of Manufacturing Software, Inventory Software, and Microsoft Office including Excel and OutlookMust be able to lift 50 lbs.; Ability to be on your feet for entirety of 8-hour shift; Ability to climb ladders and maneuver through equipment; Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesWhy Lifeway?Explore exciting career growth opportunities in a thriving companyEnjoy 9 paid holidays annually to rest and rechargeAccess comprehensive benefits, including Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability coverage—and more!Choose from flexible FSA and HSA options to meet your financial and healthcare needsBenefit from our Employee Assistance Program, offering support for new parents, legal and financial advice, mental health resources, and much morePlan for your future with our 401(k) Profit Sharing contribution matchLifeway Foods, Inc is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with 40 years of experience.

We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir. We are an equal-opportunity employer and offer a competitive benefits package.