Summary 

Lifeway 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.   

A Bottling Line Operator is primarily responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient flow of bottle materials through the production line. This includes unloading bottle deliveries, operating machinery to maintain continuous production, and conducting quality inspections to ensure the highest product standards. This position requires a proactive approach to safety and quality control, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and support other team members as needed. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Unload bottle deliveries and load bottles into the machine, ensuring a steady flow for production needs
• Operate bagging machines and de-scrambler machines; keep fixture, tooling, and work areas clean and organized
• Inspect bottle quality at assigned machine to ensure acceptable quality bottles are produced and prevent mass production of defective or unacceptable bottles 
• Communicate machine status and any quality issues to your assigned supervisor
• Report daily shift performances, including quality, production ticket identification, pallet counts, and scrap
• Relieve other operators when needed while maintaining efficiency and quality of production
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on assigned equipment
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain a clean and orderly work area
• Follow Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP’s) for production of bottles and receiving of raw materials meets company’s standard for Safe Quality Food (SQF)
• Perform 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 requirements
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy
• Perform other functions as assigned

Qualification and Education Requirements 

• High school diploma required; Or three to six months related experience; Or equivalent 
• Demonstrate intellectual and interpersonal skills through leadership, organization, and self-efficacy 
• Ability to read and interpret business periodicals, journals, procedures, and governmental regulations
• Ability to write comprehensive reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals and effectively present them to groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Basic mathematical skills and understanding of algebra and geometry
• Physical Requirements: Sit, use hands, stand, and walk; Occasionally move up to 25 lbs., frequently move up to 50 lbs., and occasionally move up to 100 lbs.; Adequate vision abilities; Work in loud environment; Ability to perform repetitious physical tasks for prolonged periods
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Software, Inventory Software, and Microsoft Office including Excel and Outlook

Why Lifeway? 

• Explore exciting career growth opportunities in a thriving company
• Enjoy 9 paid holidays annually to rest and recharge
• Access 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 needs
• Benefit from our Employee Assistance Program, offering support for new parents, legal and financial advice, mental health resources, and much more
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) Profit Sharing contribution match

Lifeway Foods, Inc is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with over 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. Visit us at www.lifewaykefir.com.