About Sonoco and the Opportunity
Sonoco Products Company has been shaping the world of packaging for more than a 120 years. From a family‑run operation founded in 1899 to a multi‑billion‑dollar global enterprise, Sonoco delivers innovative consumer, industrial, healthcare, and protective packaging solutions to some of the most recognized brands on the planet. With operations in over 34 countries, a workforce of more than 20,000 employees, and annual net sales exceeding $5 billion, our mission is simple yet powerful: Better Packaging. Better Life.
Today, we are looking for motivated, detail‑oriented individuals to join our dynamic night‑shift manufacturing team as a Remote‑Ready 12‑Hour Pouch Operator. This role blends the stability of a warehouse floor position with the modern flexibility of a hybrid work environment, allowing you to balance on‑site production duties with remote administrative responsibilities.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Hybrid Flexibility: Split your time between the Hickory, NC facility and remote workstations, giving you control over your daily schedule while still contributing to critical production output.
- Competitive Compensation: $23.84 per hour plus a $2 per hour shift differential, plus a retention bonus of up to $2,000 after 180 days (paid in 90‑day increments).
- Career Growth: Access to Sonico’s global training platforms, tuition reimbursement, and clear advancement pathways to supervisory or specialized technical roles.
- Impactful Work: Play a key part in delivering high‑quality, sustainable packaging that reaches millions of consumers worldwide.
Key Responsibilities – What Your Day (and Night) Looks Like
Working the 12‑hour night shift (7 PM – 7 AM) on a 2‑2‑3 schedule, you will be the hands‑on guardian of our pouching line, ensuring that every bag that rolls off the machine meets Sonoco’s exacting standards. Your core duties include, but are not limited to:
- Machine Setup & Calibration: Configure bag machines according to order specifications, verify settings with Quality Control, and adjust mechanical components (bars, rollers, tension devices) to optimize seal integrity and film handling.
- Material Handling: Operate hand tools (pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers), power hoists, and both manual and powered pallet jacks to move rolls, boxes, and finished product safely and efficiently.
- Film Tension Management: Monitor moving web tension, identify wrinkles or seal defects, and make real‑time adjustments to maintain consistent product quality.
- Cleanliness & Preventive Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning of machine surfaces and rollers using approved solvents; execute scheduled preventive maintenance tasks to minimize downtime.
- Documentation & Data Entry: Scan roll tickets, record non‑computerized shop‑floor data, and communicate any discrepancies to the Shift Supervisor or Quality Control team.
- Waste Management: Weigh and log waste at the end of each order or shift, providing accurate reports for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Cross‑Functional Support: Serve as a utility person, assisting with inventory counts, housekeeping, and ad‑hoc duties such as inspector/packer tasks when needed.
- Safety & Compliance: Follow OSHA‑approved guidelines, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and promptly report any safety hazards.
Essential Qualifications – The Foundation of Success
- Industrial Experience: Prior work in a manufacturing, conversion, or distribution environment (preferably packaging) is highly desirable.
- Physical Capability: Ability to lift, stretch, bend, and stand for extended periods; comfortable working in varying temperatures and noise levels.
- Basic Mathematics: Competence in simple calculations, measuring, and interpreting tape‑measure or ruler readings.
- Reading Comprehension: Ability to read and follow work orders, safety labels, and machine instructions accurately.
- Reliability: Consistent attendance and punctuality are critical for maintaining production flow on the night shift.
- Problem‑Solving Mindset: Proactive in identifying issues, communicating them effectively, and implementing corrective actions.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart
- Experience operating pallet jacks, hoists, or other material‑handling equipment.
- Familiarity with film tension controls, heat‑set sealing processes, or similar packaging technologies.
- Previous exposure to a computerized shop‑floor system (e.g., ERP, MES) for data capture.
- Certification in OSHA 10‑Hour General Industry or similar safety training.
- Demonstrated ability to perform preventive maintenance and basic equipment troubleshooting.
Core Skills & Competencies – The DNA of an Effective Operator
- Attention to Detail: Spotting minute variations in film tension, seal quality, or packaging dimensions.
- Manual Dexterity: Skillful handling of tools and small components in fast‑moving environments.
- Communication: Clear, concise reporting to supervisors, quality inspectors, and cross‑functional teammates.
- Team Orientation: Collaborative approach to keep the line running smoothly and support colleagues during peak periods.
- Adaptability: Comfort with shifting priorities, equipment changes, and evolving production schedules.
- Safety Awareness: Commitment to adhering to OSHA standards and internal safety protocols.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Sonoco invests heavily in employee development. As a Pouch Operator, you will have access to:
- Online Learning Platforms: Courses covering Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and advanced packaging technologies.
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with seasoned engineers and supervisors to accelerate skill acquisition.
- Internal Mobility: Transparent pathways to roles such as Shift Lead, Production Planner, Quality Assurance Specialist, or Technical Maintenance Engineer.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for certifications or associate degrees that align with business needs.
- Leadership Development: Workshops that cultivate supervisory and project‑management capabilities.
Work Environment & Culture – What It Means to Be Part of Sonoco
Our Hickory facility blends high‑tech production equipment with a supportive, people‑first culture. Key cultural pillars include:
- People Build Businesses: Every employee’s contribution is celebrated, and ideas are welcomed from the shop floor to the executive suite.
- Sustainability Commitment: Working on packaging that reduces waste and supports circular‑economy initiatives.
- Inclusivity & Belonging: We champion a workforce that reflects the diverse customers we serve, fostering respect and equity.
- Safety First: Zero‑tolerance for unsafe practices, with regular safety drills, ergonomic assessments, and open channels for hazard reporting.
- Recognition Programs: Employee‑of‑the‑Month awards, safety milestones, and performance bonuses that acknowledge excellence.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – Our Commitment to Your Well‑Being
While exact salary is outlined above, Sonoco’s total rewards package extends far beyond base pay:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage: Comprehensive plans for you, your spouse, and dependents, with flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) options.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match to help you build a secure financial future.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
- Well‑Being Resources: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mental‑health platforms, and wellness tools for holistic health.
- Insurance Protection: Life, personal accident, and disability coverage, including supplemental voluntary plans.
- Retention Bonus: $2,000 after 180 days of continuous service, paid in two $1,000 installments.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities for internal transfers, promotions, and cross‑regional assignments.
- Hybrid Remote Access: Ability to perform certain reporting and administrative tasks from home, reinforcing work‑life balance.
Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement
Sonoco is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination of any kind based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every voice is valued.
How to Apply – Take the Next Step Toward a Fulfilling Career
If you are ready to bring your hands‑on expertise, problem‑solving mindset, and dedication to quality to a global leader in packaging, we want to hear from you. Apply today and join a team that empowers you to grow, innovate, and make a real impact every night you work.
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