Production Operator Blends - First Shift

PRODUCTION OPERATOR - First Shift

Reports to: Production Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY

The Production Operator is accountable for operating and maintaining equipment in a factory environment. This individual is responsible for material handling in a production environment, packing, palletizing finished product, shipping & receiving. Other responsibilities include adhering to all safety guidelines, cleaning & sanitization of equipment, quality standards/procedures, continuous improvement, housekeeping, 5 S’s, SQF and Good Manufacturing Practices.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safety – Must strictly adhere to the following:
• Lockout/Tagout procedures and policy (LO/TO) 
• Forklift/pallet jack procedures 
• Equipment operation processes and procedures
• Ergonomics
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and usage 
• Working at heights processes & procedures
• Immediately report safety concerns or accidents
• Cleaning & Sanitization (C&S) 
• Perform required C&S
• Ensure C&S schedules are met 100%
• Complete documents to track C&S schedules
• Quality Assurance 
• Complete all in-process quality checks and document
• Insure correct and sequence raw material additions for compliance
• Ensure LOT & BATCH coding is 100% compliant
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and GMP guidelines
• Raw material & product storage handling
• Attend yearly HACCP, Allergen Management, Food Defense, and Food Fraud training
• Adhere to SQF code guidelines
• Production 
• Be able to operate all equipment
• Identify equipment issues and provide resolution
• Follow production schedules and procedures
• Order materials, supplies, and equipment
• Record production data
• Strict cleaning & 5 S adherence 

 Other Tasks

• Maintain product food safety to meet and exceed the standards set by the company and its customers through Good Manufacturing Practices and company policies.
• Ensure day-to-day production requirements are met 
• Operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner
• Maintain and support a superior safety and housekeeping initiatives
• Responsible for quality in all aspects of production
• Assist in developing and updating SOPs for safety, quality, C&S, and operations
• Maintain inventory levels and control flow of product
• Adhere to all company & facility policies
• Ability to operate in a continuous improvement environment 
• Follow rejection and disposal process for product 
• Work with team regarding commissioning, validation, and startup of new equipment 
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• 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 
• Must be able to manage time 
• Self-motivated with good work ethic
• Problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to adjust to a changing work environment
• Must be detail oriented and 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 toed shoes are required along with hair and beard coverings. Additional PPE may be required depending on individual tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

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