Machine Operator Lead

Company: Refresco
Location: Walla Walla
Posted on: February 5, 2026

Job Description:

Make a Difference in YOUR Career! Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks. Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best. Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table? Position Description: Reporting to the Supervisor Production, the Machine Operator Lead is responsible for providing the customer with the highest quality product in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The Machine Operator Lead is responsible for monitoring and operating machinery on the production lines to comply with the established standard operating practices for each customer. Essential Job Functions: Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard toe and slip/oil resistant shoes, appropriate safety gloves, and seatbelts while operating forklifts) Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF). Ability to acquire an in-depth, operational knowledge of the assigned line’s operating equipment as well as other ancillary or offline related equipment. Adhere to the production schedule and communicate with the Supervisor, regarding problems or changes that may be necessary. Monitor the production line for defects such as downed bottles/cans, low fills, faulty packaging, damage, and misaligned labels, while accurately identifying raw material issues that could impact production quality, reduce efficiency, or increase waste. Monitor finished product and/or cases for proper closures/seams, date and product codes and damaged or out of specification packaging. Following standard operating procedures and reading both imperial and metric measurements, perform changeovers efficiently and carefully, ensuring the correct settings and parts are installed and that no mechanical defects exist that could damage equipment or product. Record all necessary information for production and quality records. Keep accurate downtime reports and documentation. Perform all end of shift duties to ensure smooth transition for incoming shift. Work closely with all departments to improve quality, increase efficiencies, increase yields and eliminate out of specification or damaged product. Foster a positive team environment to promote cooperation and teamwork. Possesses a practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and can address inquiries related to both. Ability to read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule, effectively communicate issues or deviations with the appropriate parties and respond to inquiries. Maintain production flow machine(s) by monitoring downstream and upstream issues, supplying raw materials to the equipment, and performing minor servicing when needed. Follow all Quality Control and Production line standard operating procedures. Ability to understand visual and auditory cues to identify production or machine related issues. Will assist in training new employees. Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance. Required Skills: Experience in a high-speed beverage production environment required. Ability to independently and efficiently operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment. Solid understanding of production machinery/forklifts, including an awareness of technical issues Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure Forklift certification may be required Competencies: Problem-Solving Skills – ability to troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently, collaborating with others to resolve complex issues, adaptability to changing circumstances and willingness to implement new procedures. Continuous Improvement – Commitment to continuous improvement practices to enhance production efficiency and product quality. Troubleshooting – Proficiency in troubleshooting process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and waste. Documentation Skills – accurate recording of production data, completion of required paperwork or electronic documentation, and maintenance of organized records. Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures to ensure a safe working environment, enforcement of safety protocols and training of team members on safety measures. Timely and accurately completes monthly Alchemy training. Communication Skills – Effective verbal and written communication with team members and supervisors, reporting issues accurately, and collaborating to ensure smooth workflow. Follows equipment down-time escalation process schedule. Training and Development: Ability to train new hires on production processes and procedures and provide ongoing training and development opportunities for existing team members. Foster skill development and career growth. Education and Experience: High School Certification or equivalent (GED) 3-5 years relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment Working Conditions: Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed. Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules to meet. Travel Requirements: Travel anticipated: Rarely Physical Requirements: R = Rarely (0-15%) O = Occasionally (16-45%) F = Frequently (46-100%) Physical Demand R O F Stand or Sit X Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl X Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum lbs. lifted 5 lbs.) X Carry weight, lift X Walking X Driving X Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance X Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time. Coordination and Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise control of equipment. Mental Stress – There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands. Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. A Career with Refresco Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits: Pay Range: $21.09 - $23.00 an hour, plus eligibility for performance-based bonuses based on company objectives (The pay range may include shift differentials.) Shift: 3rd Status: Non-Exempt Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance Short-term disability and long-term disability Pet Insurance Legal Benefits 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match 12 Paid Holidays 5 Vacation Days and Paid (Sick) Time Off Days in accordance with applicable law Well-being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs The applicant who is hired will receive wages within the range that will be based on several factors, including, as applicable, criteria such as years and type of experience, relevant education, training, qualifications, certifications/licensing, skills, geographic location, performance, market considerations, seniority system, merit system, type of shift worked, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, and business or organizational needs (such as whether the position requires regular and necessary travel). How to apply: Please visit our careers site at https://www.refresco-na.com/na/careers/ Application deadline: January 30, 2026 (the application deadline is a good-faith estimate and may be extended in certain circumstances) Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER! Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages US, Inc. Refresco Beverages, US Inc., will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity. Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees. Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Keywords: Refresco, Pasco , Machine Operator Lead, Manufacturing , Walla Walla, Washington