Packager-1st Shift at E.A. Sween Company in Annandale, MN

Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy! We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each and every day. At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you’ll join us!

Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 6am-4:30pm. Overtime on Fridays, when needed. Hourly pay is $19.00.

E.A. Sween is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability

What We’re Seeking

A reliable, quality-focused team member with excellent attention to detail who actively seeks opportunities to improve processes for greater efficiency without compromising product quality. Demonstrates a positive, "can-do" attitude that inspires and motivates others. Open to learning new skills and adapts quickly to changing priorities and demands.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

General

• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to uphold food safety and product integrity.
• Consistently follow safety protocols and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by Supervisor or Lead.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with team members from diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities, languages, or perspectives.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

Leadership

• Act as a team player, fostering a friendly and positive work environment.
• Maintain excellent attendance.
• Show flexibility and adaptability with work schedules as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and company policies in all tasks.

Food Safety and Quality

• Execute food safety, quality, and continuous improvement activities to meet SQF 2000, regulatory, and customer standards.
• Adhere to all GMPs, standard work, and safety practices. Report any non-compliance to the Pack-off Lead or Support Supervisor.

Safety and Health

• Contribute to a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Successfully complete mandatory E.A. Sween quarterly safety training to comply with OSHA and company policies.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consistently as needed.
• Ensure safe storage and transport of pallets, racks, and dollies to support the company’s Zero Safety Incidents policy.

Production

• Rotate through all production positions every 30 minutes.
• Follow standard operating procedures for each role:
  • Box Maker:
    • Place labels correctly on boxes.
    • Prepare boxes by folding flaps for the boxing team to insert products.
  • Boxer:
    • Check product labels for accuracy in price and date codes.
    • Confirm the accuracy of face and ingredient labels.
    • Place products in boxes or bun trays in the designated format.
  • Racker:
    • Load completed trays into metal racks or finish cases on pallets as required.
    • Ensure date codes on cases/trays are accurate and legible.
    • Complete required paperwork and submit to the Pack-off Lead after each shift.

Equipment & PPE

• Operate and maintain the following equipment and tools as needed:
  • Dollies, Racks, Bun Trays, Boxes (Cases), Pallets, Tapers, Box/Case Coders, Label/Box Making Stand, Palletizing T-Bar Tool, Cardboard Baler, Compactor, Stretch Wrap, Cutting utensils (knives/scissors).
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment, including hard hats, and ensure proper usage.

Skills and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience in high-speed packaging or assembly line work.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Physical ability to lift up to 30 lbs and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional Saturdays.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous assembly line experience in a high-speed packaging environment.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic math skills are essential to count and verify products accurately.
• Possess a teamwork-oriented mindset and communicate effectively with others.
• Maintain a reliable attendance record.
• Keep the work area clean, safe, and organized.
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs continuously during a 10-12.5-hour shift, based on the production schedule.
• Willing to work overtime as needed to meet customer demands.

Preferred

• Food related experience

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Able to work in cool conditions (35 – 45 degrees) continuously.
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs continuously.
• Able to stand continuously for 10-12.5 hours in a shift.
• Able to bend, turn, push, pull continuously.
• Able to reach overhead continuously.
• Able to keep up with manufacturing speeds continuously.

How You’ll Find Success at EAS

• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.

Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.

• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what’s right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.

E.A. Sween is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our team members. Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match – fully vested after 2 years
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program (Boss Bucks)