Production Operator Blends - First Shift

About the role

The Production Operator is accountable for operating and maintaining equipment in a factory environment. This individual is responsible for material handling, packing, palletizing finished product, shipping & receiving, and adhering to safety, quality, and production standards.

Responsibilities

• Safety
  • Adhere to Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO) procedures and policy
  • Follow forklift/pallet jack and equipment operation procedures
  • Comply with ergonomics, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and working at heights processes
  • Report safety concerns or accidents immediately
• Cleaning & Sanitization (C&S)
  • Perform required cleaning and sanitization tasks
  • Ensure C&S schedules are met 100%
  • Complete documentation to track C&S schedules
• Quality Assurance
  • Complete all in-process quality checks and document findings
  • Ensure correct and sequential raw material additions for compliance
  • Ensure 100% compliance with LOT & BATCH coding
  • Adhere to FDA regulations, GMP guidelines, and SQF code
  • Handle raw material and product storage properly
  • Attend yearly HACCP, Allergen Management, Food Defense, and Food Fraud training
• Production
  • Operate all equipment and identify/resolve equipment issues
  • Follow production schedules and procedures
  • Order materials, supplies, and equipment
  • Record production data and maintain strict cleaning & 5S adherence
• Other Tasks
  • Maintain product food safety through Good Manufacturing Practices and company policies
  • Ensure day-to-day production requirements are met
  • Operate equipment safely and efficiently
  • Maintain superior safety and housekeeping standards
  • Ensure quality in all aspects of production
  • Assist in developing and updating SOPs for safety, quality, cleaning & sanitization, and operations
  • Maintain inventory levels and control product flow
  • Adhere to all company and facility policies
  • Work in a continuous improvement environment
  • Follow rejection and disposal processes for product
  • Collaborate on commissioning, validation, and startup of new equipment
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum 1-2 years of manufacturing experience preferred
• Computer skills, including familiarity with ERP systems, is preferred
• Positive attitude with a strong teamwork approach
• Good mathematic skills
• Ability to manage time effectively
• Self-motivated with a good work ethic
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to adjust to a changing work environment
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a general food production and manufacturing environment with exposure to machine noise, ingredient and finished product dust, and residues. Several food allergens are present in the facility and used daily.

• Uniforms with long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and closed-toe shoes are required, along with hair and beard coverings
• Additional PPE may be required depending on individual tasks

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Must be able to sit, balance, and/or stand for long periods
• Must have visual and hearing acuity
• Ability to use hands and fingers to reach, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
• Occasionally to frequently climb a foot stool or ladder to reach items on shelves, in coolers, freezers, or stockrooms
• Must be able to speak, hear, and understand others in person and by phone in English