Who We Are

FedUp Foods, one of the nation's early producers of kombucha through the Buchi brand, and one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America, offers a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers.

Our Culture

FedUp Foods fuels the growth and success of open-minded, collaborative, and passionate individuals who thrive on teamwork, creativity, and continuous learning.

As a proud benefit corporation we have chosen to make People one of our benefit pillars. We strive to make sure every employee of FedUp Foods feels welcomed, valued, and empowered by fostering a collaborative and adaptable community, providing growth opportunities, and creating a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our Values: Agility, Collaboration, Communication, Lifelong Learning, Community, Gratitude

Our Benefits (FT Roles):

• Health Insurance (company pays 80-90% individual premium)
• Group Term Life Insurance (100% of premium paid by company)
• Vision and Dental Coverage (paid by the employee)
• Voluntary Group Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability (50% of premium paid by company)
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Retirement: 401k with Employer Match
• 8 Paid Holidays
• PTO and Sick Time

Position Summary

The Packaging Technician III (Lead) plays a vital role in the successful production of our beverages. They are expected to operate with integrity and a high level of focus in all positions on the production line to ensure we are safely sending the highest quality products possible to our customers. Through a strong attention to operational detail and effective team leadership, the focus is to ensure production quotas are met on time while meeting all safety and quality standards.

An ideal applicant will be highly skilled, consistently punctual and enjoy working with a variety of skilled individuals who share similar values and goals.

General Duties/Responsibilities

• Model and uphold a continual environment of safety and awareness:
  • Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures.
  • Conduct safety inspections of packaging equipment and work areas.
  • Report any safety hazards or incidents to the appropriate person immediately.
• Focus on finished product quality with respect to efficiency of operations:
  • Sample, inspect, and test finished products and packaging for hazards, defects and deviations from specifications.
  • Discuss testing results with Quality Control and packaging leadership, and recommend necessary corrective actions.
  • Report all exceptions to product or package quality.
• Follow good documentation practices.
• Ensure the packaging area is clean and organized.
• Maintain daily operational communication with shift leadership and daily pass downs on conditions related to safety, productivity, and quality.
• Lead and direct all team-members on your line:
  • Ensure they are performing their duties according to GMPs and following all standard operating procedures.
  • Train and ensure new employees know correct operating procedures for their assigned positions and provide coaching and/or support for team-members as needed.
  • Direct your team regarding tasks, breaks, and lunches.
  • Lead daily set up, changeovers, and breakdown of designated packaging equipment.
  • Fill in for other team leads and co-workers as needed.
• Responsible for meeting machine efficiency.
• Perform daily calibration, operation, and maintenance of line testing equipment.
• Inspect equipment for sanitation and foreign material hazards and report findings.
• Ensure your line's paperwork is correctly completed and on time.
• Ensure all downtime is scanned or recorded as appropriate.
• Report line downtime to maintenance in a timely manner.
• Clean, lubricate, and inspect equipment and ensure they are operating at established center lines and support autonomous maintenance initiatives.
• Identify and take corrective action on any problems that may occur on your line.
• Perform case flavor mixing as needed.
• Participate in training sessions that may include, but are not limited to safety protocols, operational procedures, skill development and compliance requirements.

Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities

• Follow GMP policy when in the production facility and encourage your team to do the same.
• Understand our SQF policies relating to pest control, visitors, allergen management, and cleaning and sanitation.
• Demonstrate awareness of Management's Commitment to SQF and work towards Food Safety and Quality and help the company meet this commitment.
• If there is a problem that involves food quality and safety, report to the Quality Assurance Manager Manager so that the CAPA (corrective action, preventative action) log may be filled out, the situation be investigated, and resolved with the goal of continuous improvement of food quality and safety.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Basic computer skills required
• Strong communication, interpersonal, leadership skills
• Ability to problem solve and recognize opportunities for continuous improvement
• Forklift and pallet jack experience preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues
• Keen attention to detail
• Heightened awareness of safety precautions and hazards for self and others
• Ability to positively work with a team to achieve production goals
• We believe in investing in our team members' learning, growth, and relationship building. The person in this role may have the opportunity to travel to our Asheville, NC area headquarters for paid onsite onboarding and learning (with company provided hotel, meal stipend, and mileage reimbursement)
• Extended shifts, overtime, and weekends may be needed based on business needs
• Flexibility in work hours is necessary to meet operational demands

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• 2 years' experience in packaging filler role required
• 1 year experience in team lead or supervisory role preferred
• 1 year brewery / brite tank experience preferred
• Autonomous Maintenance (AM) experience a bonus

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• 30 minute unpaid lunch break; two paid 15 minute breaks.
• Ability to work in a crowded, noisy manufacturing environment, and be able to navigate extremes in temperatures.
• Requires standing, walking, pushing, pulling, stooping, twisting and lifting 100% of the time and occasionally walking on uneven, slippery surfaces.
• Duties may include lifting up to 50 pounds and maneuvering heavy equipment and/or parts.

EEO Statement

AKM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as directed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.