Production Operator

Department: Production Reports To: Production Supervisor Location: Indianapolis Travel Required: None FLSA Status: Non Exempt Supervisory Requirements: No Language: English Required, Spanish a plus Physical Demands: Yes Schedule: 2-2-3 6pm – 6:30am or 6am – 6:30pm

Position Summary The Production Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing and packaging equipment used in the production of beverage products. This role supports production goals by operating equipment, monitoring product quality, performing changeovers, maintaining equipment and work areas, and adhering to all food safety, quality, and safety standards. Production Operators work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and play a critical role in ensuring products are produced efficiently and meet customer expectations. What You'll Gain At Manna Beverages, Production Operators receive hands-on training across manufacturing and packaging operations. Team members have opportunities to develop technical skills, cross-train on multiple production lines, and advance into Lead Operator, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, or Supervisory roles as opportunities become available. Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety, food safety, quality, GMP, and sanitation requirements.
• Operate, monitor, adjust, and troubleshoot production and packaging equipment to maintain efficient operations.
• Prepare equipment and production lines for startup, operation, changeovers, and shutdown activities.
• Perform routine equipment adjustments and minor troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Conduct product quality inspections and accurately verify product specifications, coding, packaging, and labeling requirements.
• Verify work orders and production documentation to ensure product accuracy and traceability.
• Monitor production processes and identify issues such as jams, equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or quality concerns.
• Report equipment, safety, quality, or material issues to supervision and maintenance personnel.
• Perform equipment changeovers and support production line setup for various products and package configurations.
• Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready condition, including sanitation activities and operation of cleaning equipment when required.
• Utilize touchscreen and computerized control systems to operate equipment and document production information.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at safety, quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Assist with training and onboarding new team members as needed.
• Maintain regular attendance and work scheduled shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

• Commitment to safety and food safety excellence.
• Strong attention to detail and product quality.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Initiative, accountability, and adaptability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to understand production documents, specifications, product codes, and work instructions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Manufacturing, production, warehouse, or machine operation experience preferred.
• Basic computer and touchscreen operation skills required.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions and procedures.
• Experience working in a food or beverage manufacturing environment is preferred but not required.

Work Environment While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly exposed to moving mechanical equipment and manufacturing operations. Employees may occasionally work at elevated heights and are routinely exposed to a high-noise production environment. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Employees must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, squat, and perform repetitive motions.
• Frequently push, pull, and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Occasionally push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Climb stairs and safely navigate a manufacturing facility.
• Demonstrate sufficient visual acuity to inspect products and safely operate production equipment.

Manna Beverages is an Equal Opportunity Employer.