Bottle Blowing Utility Operator, 1st Shift

Phillips Distilling Company is currently inviting candidates to apply for a full-time Bottle Blowing Utility Operator opportunity. The candidate selected for this role will enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive compensation, annual bonus potential, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off and paid holidays! Join the Phillips’ team today and enjoy being in good spirits every day!

Since 1912, Phillips Distilling Company (PDC) has produced high-quality spirits and popular brands. As one of America's oldest family-owned spirits companies, we pride ourselves on our independent spirit and our commitment to safety, quality, innovation and community.

This position will be scheduled Monday-Thursday, from 6:00am to 4:00pm.

Job Summary: 
The Utility Operator supports the efficient operation of production lines by performing a wide range of tasks, including equipment setup, operation, and adjustments; quality control; and process improvement initiatives. While primarily based in the Bottle Blowing department, this role requires flexibility to float across different areas within Production to meet business needs. Responsibilities include filling in for absent employees, assisting with special projects, and providing cross-departmental support. The Utility Operator also offers work direction, training, and leadership when required, ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and safety protocols are consistently maintained.

Essential Functions:

• Perform tasks to support production lines, including supplying the line, monitoring product, adjusting equipment, hand packing, dumping, stacking, and quality control.
• Set up and operate various equipment, including filling or molding machines, case packers, labelers, coders, inserters, camera systems, case erectors, and palletizers.
• Verify production schedules and communicate critical information to incoming shifts and other team members.
• Document production line downtime on Thin Clients including RedZone and generate I-Service requests.
• Lead shift setup by ensuring proper functioning of power, air, and production line equipment.
• Monitor and make adjustments to molding or packaging machine processes as needed.
• Perform full line changes, setups, clean-in-place (CIP), and washouts for each piece of equipment.
• Float to other areas within Production as needed to support business demands, including assisting in the Rework Area, Special Projects, Tank Room, and End-of-Line (EOL).
• Provide work direction and training to team members as assigned.
• Lead employees through break schedules and fill in for line operators during absences.
• Perform Line Lead responsibilities when needed, including ensuring efficient equipment operation and adherence to production schedules without sacrificing quality or safety.
• Perform quality checks and complete corresponding paperwork and data entry to meet quality standards.
• Repackage, recode, and perform other custom casework as required by the Line Lead.
• Actively participate in Lean Manufacturing teams to improve business processes.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including 5S duties such as cleaning and organizing work areas and verifying chemical and tool inventory.
• Assist and back up other operators and team members as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Living and abiding by the Phillips Way and the company’s core values: Communication & Collaboration, Dignity & Respect, Accountability, Customer Service and Community.

Required Competencies:

• Must have the ability to work and participate in an environment that expects all employees to support wellness, safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.
• Proficiency in computer and technology applications required for job responsibilities; Oracle experience preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication in English and proficiency in basic math.
• Strong ability to provide work direction and collaborate with team members while multitasking in a dynamic environment.
• Competence in operating and troubleshooting production line equipment, with deductive reasoning to resolve issues independently.
• Ability to anticipate issues, adjust to changing priorities, and persist under time constraints.
• Attention to detail combined with an understanding of whole-system processes.
• Ability to work across multiple production lines efficiently.
• Commitment to supporting lean manufacturing initiatives and process improvements.
• Strong understanding of production operations

Required Education And Experience:

• Must have the ability to maintain current knowledge, skills and/or certifications relevant to assigned job responsibilities.
• Previous experience operating manufacturing equipment
• 1 year of previous experience working in a manufacturing setting.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Previous experience working in food production or packaging. High speed bottling experience is a plus.
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Supervisor Responsibilities:
• This role does not have direct reports but is responsible for providing work direction to other team members in the absence of the Lead.
• Work Location & Travel Required:
• This position works on-site reporting to the Princeton location.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:
This role requires the ability to perform repetitive motions with persistence to meet task deadlines under time constraints. The work is performed in a manufacturing setting and involves frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of up to 50 pounds. It also requires regular standing on hard surfaces for extended periods and walking throughout the facility. Additionally, work is performed in a noisy environment while utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Other Considerations:
The intent of this job description is not to state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties that will be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Phillips Distilling Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We consider all qualified individuals for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, among other factors.

• Starting Pay Range:
• $22.00 - $25.50/Hour
• Where a candidate falls within the pay range will vary based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, education, skills and experience.
• Benefits Overview:
• PDC offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision plans to meet individual/family needs.
• Financial Well-being: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs).
• Income Protection: Employer-paid life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Includes 9 paid holidays, annual PTO accrual, bereavement leave, and parental leave
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options for supplemental life insurance, critical illness, and accident insurance.
• Wellness Program:  Incentives and resources to support physical and mental well-being.  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential access to counseling, financial & legal planning, estate planning, wellness resources, and more to support employees and their families.  
• Bonus Potential: Annual bonus opportunities based on individual and/or company performance. 

This summary provides a general overview of available benefits. Specific details, including eligibility criteria and plan options, will be provided during the recruitment/onboarding process.