ASSOCIATE

About the Role

The Production Associate is responsible for producing, packaging, and preparing gourmet popcorn products for distribution through retail, wholesale, online, and special event channels. This position plays a critical role in ensuring product quality, consistency, food safety, and order accuracy throughout the production and fulfillment process.

Responsibilities

• Kitchen / Culinary Production:
  • Prepares a variety of gourmet popcorn flavors according to approved recipes and production standards.
  • Accurately measures and combines ingredients to ensure product consistency and quality.
  • Operates popcorn production equipment and machinery safely and efficiently.
  • Monitors product quality throughout the production process.
  • Maintains detailed records of ingredients used and batch production information.
  • Ensures compliance with food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
  • Maintains cleanliness of all production equipment, tools, and work areas.
  • Assists with inventory tracking and ingredient management as assigned.
  • Supports continuous improvement efforts related to product quality and production efficiency.
• Packaging Operations:
  • Measures and packages finished popcorn products according to established portion and weight requirements.
  • Fills branded bags, cups, sample packages, and other packaging formats accurately.
  • Operates packaging equipment and performs manual packaging activities when necessary.
  • Monitors packaging quality, product appearance, and package integrity.
  • Ensures products are sealed properly to maintain freshness and quality.
  • Documents packaging dates, lot numbers, batch information, and production records.
  • Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of packaging equipment and workstations.
  • Assists with inventory management of packaging materials and supplies.
• Order Fulfillment:
  • Prepares customer orders accurately for online, wholesale, retail, and special event distribution.
  • Selects correct products and packaging materials for each order.
  • Packages completed orders into shipping boxes or event packaging.
  • Verifies products, quantities, and order details prior to shipment.
  • Prepares shipping documents, labels, and required order documentation.
  • Learns and follows shipping procedures utilizing carriers such as UPS, USPS, and other distribution methods.
  • Supports pop-up events and special order fulfillment activities as assigned.
  • Ensures timely and accurate order processing and shipment.
  • Maintains cleanliness and organization within the fulfillment area.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Follows all food safety, sanitation, and quality control procedures.
  • Maintains a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
  • Demonstrates strong teamwork and collaboration with coworkers and supervisors.
  • Assists in maintaining production schedules and productivity goals.
  • Participates in training and professional development activities.
  • Follows all workplace safety policies and procedures.
  • Reports equipment issues, product concerns, or safety hazards promptly.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Supports special projects, events, and business initiatives as assigned.
  • Documents time worked accurately.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Previous food production, manufacturing, warehouse, packaging, culinary, or fulfillment experience preferred.
  • Experience operating production or packaging equipment preferred.
  • Experience in food preparation, food service, or related industries preferred.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards.
• Skills:
  • Attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
  • Ability to accurately follow recipes, instructions, and production procedures.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to accurately measure ingredients and product quantities.
  • Ability to maintain records and documentation accurately.
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Effective verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to learn and operate production and packaging equipment safely.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and production demands.
  • Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.

Job Competencies

• Food Production Excellence: Maintains quality, consistency, and accuracy throughout food production processes.
• Quality Control: Ensures all products meet established quality, appearance, and packaging standards.
• Order Fulfillment: Accurately prepares and ships customer orders while maintaining efficiency and attention to detail.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Consistently follows food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety practices.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively with coworkers and supervisors to achieve production goals.
• Organization & Time Management: Maintains productivity while effectively managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing production schedules, customer needs, and operational demands.
• Accountability: Demonstrates reliability, responsibility, and attention to detail in all assigned duties.

Physical Demands

• Standing for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Walking frequently within production and warehouse areas.
• Reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, and lifting.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements during production and packaging activities.
• Operating production, packaging, and shipping equipment safely.
• Working in a fast-paced manufacturing and fulfillment environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to move ingredients, supplies, packaged products, and shipping materials safely.

Working Conditions

• Food production and manufacturing environment.
• Warehouse and fulfillment areas.
• Exposure to food ingredients, production equipment, and packaging materials.
• Fast-paced production settings with varying work demands.
• Participation in occasional off-site events or pop-up activities as assigned.

Schedule Flexibility: Work schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and participation in special events may be required.

About the Company: Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its constellation of affiliate companies. Apis Services and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.