Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jam Packager

🎯 Role Definition

The Jam Packager is a hands-on production role within a food manufacturing environment responsible for operating and maintaining filling, capping, labeling, and packing equipment for jam and preserves. This position ensures finished product meets strict quality, food safety, and regulatory standards while meeting daily production targets. The ideal candidate blends mechanical aptitude, food safety knowledge (GMP/HACCP), attention to detail, and the ability to work reliably on rotating shifts in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate / General Laborer in food manufacturing
Packaging Assistant or Line Helper
Seasonal Food Processing Worker

Advancement To:

Lead Jam Packager / Line Lead
Packaging Supervisor / Shift Supervisor
Production Manager or Plant Operations Supervisor
Quality Assurance Technician or Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Sanitation Technician (CIP/SOP specialist)
Maintenance Technician (mechanical/electrical focus)
Forklift Operator / Warehouse Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate, monitor, and adjust automated and semi-automated filling and capping machines for jam production to achieve takt time and throughput targets while minimizing downtime and waste.
Perform machine set-ups and changeovers between jam SKUs (sizes, jar types, cap styles) using documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain line efficiency and product consistency.
Conduct in-process quality inspections including fill weights, headspace, seal integrity, cap torque, labeling alignment, and overall appearance to ensure finished product meets customer specifications and internal QC standards.
Record production data accurately in logs and electronic systems, including batch numbers, lot coding, production quantities, downtime events, and corrective actions to maintain traceability and compliance.
Adhere strictly to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP plans, allergen control procedures, and facility-specific food safety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure product safety.
Execute cleaning-in-place (CIP) and manual sanitation tasks for packaging lines and ancillary equipment following approved cleaning schedules and verification checklists to maintain hygienic conditions.
Troubleshoot common packaging equipment issues (jamming, misfeeds, sensor faults) and perform basic mechanical adjustments or escalate to maintenance when needed to reduce line stoppages.
Load and replace packaging materials (jars, lids, labels, shrink film, corrugate) and consumables in a safe and efficient manner while monitoring inventory levels and communicating replenishment needs to supervisors.
Verify label and code accuracy, operate label printers and vision inspection systems, and audit packaging for proper barcodes, best-by dates, and lot codes before palletizing.
Coordinate closely with quality assurance and production planners to quarantine suspect batches, execute hold procedures, and support root cause investigations for non-conforming product.
Operate checkweighers, metal detectors, and other in-line quality control devices, perform routine calibrations and test checks, and document results to ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
Palletize finished goods safely and according to pallet patterns and weight limits, prepare pallets for stretch wrapping, and stage shipments for warehouse pickup following Good Handling Practices.
Participate in line start-up and shutdown procedures, ensuring safe lockout/tagout compliance, correct sequencing of equipment, and proper handover communication between shifts.
Follow change control and deviation reporting procedures to document any process changes or unplanned events, support corrective action follow-through, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Support allergen control and segregation procedures, including dedicated equipment cleaning and cross-contact prevention measures for fruit, nut, or pectin-containing recipes.
Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) affecting product stability, report variances, and take immediate corrective actions to protect product quality.
Adhere to occupational safety policies including proper use of PPE, material handling protocols, and safe lifting techniques to minimize workplace injuries and maintain a clean, organized workstation.
Assist in minor preventative maintenance activities such as lubrication, sensor cleaning, and fastener checks to preserve machine reliability and reduce reactive maintenance.
Train and mentor new packagers on line procedures, safety practices, and quality expectations, contributing to a strong culture of food safety and operational excellence.
Support seasonal or promotional runs, including rapid SKU transitions and special packing requirements, while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
Participate in continuous improvement projects, Kaizen events, and 5S activities to identify waste, streamline workflows, and improve equipment uptime and ergonomics.
Respond to product recall drills and real recall events by following documented procedures for segregation, documentation, and notification, and assist QA in investigation and resolution.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Provide cross-training coverage on adjacent packaging lines, warehouse functions, or sanitation teams when production demands require flexible staffing.
Assist QA and R&D teams during pilot runs for new jam recipes or packaging formats by providing operational feedback and executing test runs.
Complete daily housekeeping and 5S tasks to ensure the production area remains organized, safe, and inspection-ready.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of high-speed filling and capping equipment for jams, preserves, and spreads, including mechanical changeover and setup procedures.
Knowledge of food safety systems: HACCP plan implementation, GMP adherence, allergen control procedures, and regulatory labeling requirements.
Experience using in-line quality equipment: checkweighers, metal detectors, vision inspection systems, and seal testers.
Competency with production documentation: batch records, lot coding, deviation reports, and electronic production logs / MES entry.
Basic mechanical troubleshooting and preventive maintenance tasks, including belt/chain adjustments, sensor alignment, and minor component replacements.
Proficiency in performing CIP (cleaning-in-place) procedures and manual sanitation following SOPs and sanitation chemical guidelines.
Familiarity with refrigeration and ambient temperature control as it relates to jam stability and packaging line performance.
Operation of pallet jacks, electric or manual stretch wrappers, and basic forklift experience (certified operator preferred).
Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, SOPs, packaging artwork, and engineering drawings.
Basic math and measurement skills for verifying fill weights, set points, and material usage calculations.
Competence with barcode / label printers, date coding machines, and standard handheld scanners.
Experience in allergen segregation and handling procedures specific to fruit preserves and pectin-containing products.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail with a strong quality-first mindset to ensure product safety and brand integrity.
Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate effectively with QA, maintenance, supervisors, and warehouse personnel.
Reliable attendance and punctuality with the ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime as production demands.
Problem-solving orientation with the ability to identify root causes of line issues and contribute to corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Time management and prioritization skills to balance production targets with quality and safety requirements.
Adaptability and willingness to cross-train and take on varied responsibilities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Calm under pressure with the capacity to respond quickly to production disruptions and emergency situations.
Commitment to learning and development, including participation in training on new equipment, food safety, and quality systems.
Physical stamina and endurance to stand for long periods, lift up to facility limits (often 50 lbs), and perform repetitive tasks safely.
Ethical mindset and attention to documentation accuracy to support traceability and audit readiness.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical diploma in Food Science, Manufacturing Technology, or Mechanical Technology
Food safety certifications such as ServSafe, HACCP Practitioner, or equivalent

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science or Food Technology
Manufacturing or Industrial Technology
Mechanical Maintenance / Industrial Maintenance
Culinary Arts or Food Production Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years entry-level; 1–5 years preferred for full competence on high-speed packaging lines

Preferred:

1–3+ years experience in packaged food production with direct experience on filling/capping/labeling lines, preferably with jam, sauces, preserves, or other viscous products
Demonstrated experience with GMP/HACCP environments, sanitation/CIP procedures, and basic mechanical troubleshooting
Prior experience with quality inspection devices (checkweigher, metal detector, vision system) and production record-keeping