Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jelly Assembler

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a reliable, safety-focused Jelly Assembler to join our food production team. The Jelly Assembler is responsible for building, assembling, filling, and packaging jelly products on a high-volume production line while following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP and site Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This hands-on production role combines machine operation, manual assembly tasks, quality inspection, and detailed recordkeeping to ensure finished products meet safety, quality, and production targets.

Key keywords: Jelly Assembler, food assembly, packaging operator, production line assembler, GMP, HACCP, packaging technician, quality inspection.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate / Line Worker in food manufacturing
Packaging Technician or General Assembler
Seasonal or temporary production laborer with basic machine experience

Advancement To:

Senior Assembler / Lead Assembler
Production Team Lead / Shift Supervisor
Packaging Process Technician or Machine Operator Specialist
Quality Control Technician / QC Inspector

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician (with mechanical training)
Inventory / Materials Coordinator
Food Safety / Sanitation Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate filling and capping machinery to assemble jelly products, ensuring consistent fill volumes, secure closures, and correct product presentation on the production line.
Manually assemble components and subassemblies (jars, lids, seals, labels) to exact specifications using hand tools and light mechanical devices while maintaining steady production cadence.
Perform in-line quality inspections at defined intervals, documenting visual defects, weight variances, seal integrity, and labeling accuracy to meet product quality standards.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP requirements at all times, including proper handwashing, PPE usage, and cross-contamination prevention procedures.
Accurately complete batch records, production logs, and quality checklists in paper or electronic MES/ERP systems, including recording lot numbers, start/stop times, and scrap quantities.
Set up, changeover, and adjust packaging machines (fillers, cappers, labelers, conveyors) according to standardized setup sheets and run specifications to minimize downtime and changeover waste.
Troubleshoot basic machine stoppages and minor mechanical issues—clearing jams, replacing nozzles or seals, and making simple mechanical adjustments—and escalate complex problems to maintenance.
Package finished jelly products into cases and pallets, ensuring correct orientation, count accuracy, and proper application of case codes and labeling for traceability.
Verify product weights and volumes using scales and checkweighers; adjust machine settings or notify supervision if tolerances are exceeded.
Maintain a clean, organized work area and perform routine sanitation tasks in accordance with sanitation schedules and food safety SOPs to support audit readiness.
Follow production schedules and meet daily output targets while upholding quality standards and minimizing product rework and waste.
Inspect incoming packaging materials (caps, jars, labels) for defects and escalate discrepancies to inventory control or procurement to prevent line quality issues.
Assist in raw material handling and staging using safe lifting techniques, carts, and pallet jacks; ensure FIFO rotation and correct lot usage to maintain product integrity.
Apply tamper-evident seals, safety labels, and allergen declarations accurately and consistently to meet regulatory and company labeling requirements.
Complete routine calibration checks on basic measurement devices (scales, torque tools) and document verification as part of production control procedures.
Participate in internal audits, quality investigations, and corrective action activities by providing accurate production data and following revised procedures.
Support continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing) by suggesting process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve ergonomics.
Train and mentor new assemblers on safe operation, SOPs, and quality expectations; demonstrate best practices for equipment operation and product handling.
Comply with all health and safety policies, report near-misses and unsafe conditions promptly, and participate in safety meetings and toolbox talks.
Communicate clearly with supervisors, maintenance, quality, and warehouse teams to coordinate production flow, material replenishment, and product shipment deadlines.
Ensure accurate lot and batch traceability by labeling production runs correctly, maintaining chain-of-custody documents, and assisting with product recalls if required.
Support end-of-shift turnovers by reporting outstanding issues, machine status, and inventory needs to the oncoming shift to ensure seamless production continuity.

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.
Assist in small changeover projects or pilot runs for new jelly flavors or packaging formats and provide feedback on manufacturability.
Help maintain consumables inventory at the line and request replenishment to prevent unplanned downtime.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of food production equipment: fillers, cappers, labelers, conveyors, and checkweighers.
Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP principles applied to food assembly.
Hands-on experience with machine setup, changeovers, basic mechanical adjustments, and cleaning procedures.
Quality inspection techniques: visual inspection, in-process weight checks, seal integrity tests, and labeling verification.
Proficient recordkeeping and documentation skills for batch logs, production reports, and GMP/HACCP checklists; experience with MES/ERP or manufacturing log systems preferred.
Basic troubleshooting and preventive maintenance skills to clear jams, replace worn parts, and perform routine checks.
Competence with measuring tools and scales, basic arithmetic for count/weight verification, and interpreting specification sheets.
Knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen control, including proper segregation and labeling practices.
Experience using pallet jacks, hand trucks, and awareness of forklift safety (certification preferred but not always required).
Ability to read and interpret work instructions, blueprints, labels, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen) and continuous improvement mindset.
Basic computer skills for data entry, scanning barcodes, and using production software.

Soft Skills

High attention to detail and precision in repetitive assembly and packaging tasks to ensure consistent product quality.
Strong verbal communication skills for cross-functional coordination with quality, maintenance, and logistics teams.
Dependability and strong attendance record with the ability to work scheduled shifts, including early mornings, nights, or weekends as needed.
Team-oriented mindset with willingness to train, support, and receive feedback from peers and supervisors.
Time management and prioritization skills to meet production targets under tight deadlines.
Problem-solving attitude with the ability to escalate issues appropriately and participate in root cause analysis.
Adaptability to process changes, seasonal demand fluctuations, and shifts in production schedules.
Physical stamina and manual dexterity for standing long periods, repetitive motion, and moderate lifting per site policy.
Positive safety culture; proactive about identifying hazards and following PPE and safety protocols.
Initiative to recommend process improvements and contribute pragmatic ideas to reduce waste and increase yield.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant production experience accepted.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or technical coursework in food production, process technology, or mechanical maintenance.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science or Food Technology
Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Technology
Quality Assurance, Food Safety, or Related Technical Programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years for entry-level Jelly Assembler roles with on-the-job training
2–5+ years for experienced assemblers or production technicians with equipment operation experience

Preferred:

Prior experience in food manufacturing or packaged goods assembly, familiarity with GMP/HACCP, and hands-on operation of fillers, cappers, or labelers.
Experience using MES/ERP systems, performing batch documentation, and participating in continuous improvement initiatives.