TITLE:                   Packaging Operator

LOCATION:         North Kansas City

REPORTS TO:     Department Manager

OPEN SHIFTS:    Second, Swing

STARTING WAGE: $ 24.04 per hour + Shift Differentials. Wage Increases at 6 months ($24.80), 12 months ($26.08), and 18 months ($29.43).

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

The Packaging Operator is responsible for managing the daily operations of packaging machinery to ensure efficient and accurate product packaging. This role involves setting up, operating, and troubleshooting equipment, maintaining quality standards, and adhering to safety guidelines. The ideal candidate has strong attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience with packaging systems, knowledge of production processes or manufacturing experience are a plus.

Work Environment:

Our North Kansas City plant is a 66-acre plant, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each associate employee is part of the United Steel Workers Local 11-617 Union. Ingredion NKC operates on a seven-day rotation, we have 4 shifts, 1st shift (7am-3pm), 2nd shift (3pm- 11pm), 3rd shift (11pm-7am) and finally swing shift which will cover the days off of the other shifts. Associates work 8-hour shifts but there are occasions that an employee could be forced up to 16 hours (per union contract).

There is room for career growth at Ingredion NKC if growth is what you aspire to. 

The plant atmosphere can be demanding, with varying temperatures, noise levels, chemicals and heights, in addition, you may have encounters with pests such as wasps, mice etc.  PPE is required in all departments of the plant.  

What you will do:

• Operating mechanical equipment, i.e.: palletizers, conveyors and forklifts.
• Sampling and testing products.
• Loading railcars and bags with food grade specifications.
• Facilitating and inspecting finished product ready for the customer.
• Packing 50-pound bags, railcars, and bulk bagging starch.
• Maintaining inventory.
• Preparing railcars and trucks.
• Data entry and documentation of downtime, production, and mechanical issues.
• Adhere to food safety regulations.
• Coordinating with other departments to maximize productivity.
• Maintain a clean, food grade workspace.

What you will bring and who you are:

• High school diploma/GED required
• Basic computer/technology skills
• Must be able to pass testing on Math, Reading, and Mechanical Aptitude
• Must be able to pass a background check for education, work history, and criminal record
• Must be able to complete a physical and drug screen
• We work a 7-day rotation and every 3 weeks employees will have a three-day weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).

Why join Ingredion?

If you are inspired by professional challenges and the rewards that come from a high level of performance, then Ingredion is the company for you.  At Ingredion you can be a member of a globally connected team inspired to achieve great things.

We believe in the power of our people to work together to seize opportunities, overcome obstacles and exceed expectations.  Each day, individuals make a meaningful difference in the quality of our products and the success of our technology and operations and, in turn, the quality of life for consumers.

A career at Ingredion combines the benefits and professional opportunities afforded a $7 billion leader in our industry with the dynamic environment and team-driven culture you’d expect in a much company.  Despite its global scope and the advancement opportunities that come with it, Ingredion has the intimacy of a mid-size company, one where different perspectives are sought and where relationships matter.

#LI-ONSITE

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

This pay rate is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match .