Join Kraft Heinz – Blast Cooler Product Driver (LTO)

Location: New Ulm, MN – Home of VELVEETA® and DELI DELUXE®
Schedule: Midnights | 11:00 PM – 07:00 AM

Why Kraft Heinz?

At Kraft Heinz, we believe in rewarding your hard work and dedication with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow. When you join our team, you’re joining a company built on quality and ownership.

What We Offer

• Starting pay: $26.65 per hour
• Benefits begin in 30 days
• Hourly Bonus Program – ask us for details
• Medical options you choose: HRA, HSA, FSA, 5 carrier choices + Rx card
• Vision, dental, life, disability, family planning & childcare support
• Adoption reimbursement & paid parental leave
• LiveWell Program: Wellness rewards + lifestyle discounts ($50 fitness tracker subsidy!)
• 401(k) Matching + Extra Contribution: Added 3% company bonus
• Employee Perks: FREE product & swag
• Learning & Growth: Access the award‑winning Ownerversity resource library
• Inclusive Networks: Join our Business Resource Groups (BRGs)
• Mental health support via Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Scope of Job:

A valid fork truck license is required for this position as it is the main part of the job.  There is two Bulk Blast Cooler Drivers in the blast cooler.  The “Hot” side blast cooler driver is responsible for the transporting of products from the bulk production line into the blast coolers. The “Cold” side blast cooler driver is responsible for transporting products from the blast cooler to the robots.  Inside the blast coolers the temperature range is about 35-45F.  Clothing is provided and there is an area out of the blast coolers where the drivers sit to wait for product that is not as cold.  Tracking of materials for cooling times based on code dates and times via visual management and use of the Matrics system (scanning) is required.  FIFO is a priority along with following plant production schedules. 

This job works from brief verbal instructions and is expected to work without close supervision. The Bulk Blast Cooler Drivers are members of the Filling Team and actively participates in Green Room Meetings.  Work requires simple mathematical skills of addition and subtraction.  Communication is expected between Palletizer Operator and/or Line Techs.

Job Responsibilities:

Production:

This position requires fork truck driving. Verify pallets coming into the blast cooler and pallets that will be restacked:  Product number, code date, case integrity, expanded pallet pattern and pallet ticket. Scan product and bay into Matrics system for traceability. Tag bays that have different code dates / products. Communication with production rooms/Palletizers/DHL for changeovers. Understand and follow the Plant’s Hold procedures. Get pallets from dock truck to supply robots. Robots:  Put pallets in the pallet dispenser, puts slip sheets in the slip sheeter. Scan product in and out of Matrics in accordance with inventory recordkeeping requirements.

Maintenance:

Notify Palletizer Operator of malfunctioning equipment. Must be able to change the forklift battery. Perform lift truck inspections every shift prior to use.

Sanitation:

Responsible for department sanitation as needed. Is responsible for keeping area clean. Follow GMP’s. Clean blast cooler area when needed.

Quality:

Responsible for traceability using Matrics system for product locations, number of cases, proper ticket on pallet. If cases are open, damaged, or some other related defect is observed, need to communicate to the Filling room/Palletizer. Follow FIFO and production schedules pertaining to code dates and product cooling times to preserve Quality Timetables for shipping of cooled product. Follow procedures for retaining product traceability through the restack process. (Matrics)

Safety:

Follow all safety rules. Follow all guidelines associated with safely operating forklifts. Use proper LO/TO procedures. Need to be constantly aware of heavy forklift traffic.

Lifting Requirements:

Light – Be able to lift up to 45# cases/80# pallets infrequently.

Working Conditions:

Fair – The blast cooler temperatures range from 35-45F with big fans blowing the air around.

Hazards are light and fairly predictable and controllable.  Must be able to think and act quickly and safely in a congested work area.  Noise levels in the blast cooler require hearing protection.

Training:

The Bulk Blast Cooler Driver is trained for a maximum of 30 days and is expected to be competent after 45 days.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected].