Production Operator

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for safely and accurately producing assigned batches while following SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies. Maintains a disciplined and methodical approach to each production lot and is accountable for the quality and results of the products produced. Supports overall plant operations through teamwork, housekeeping, material handling, and assistance in other production areas as needed.
• Direct Reports: No direct reports.
• Duties and Day-to-Day Responsibilities, but not limited to the following:
• Sets up and starts mixing tanks, blenders, and other assigned production equipment according to established procedures.
• Obtains, reviews, and understands all documentation required to produce assigned batches.
• Verifies that the correct ingredients, materials, lot numbers, and quantities are used for each batch.
• Operates mixers, scales, meters, pumps, forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other equipment safely and properly.
• Follows laboratory instructions regarding batch approval, adjustments, and additional production requirements.
• Performs basic quality control checks, including measuring, weighing, sealing, package counts, and evaluating product and package appearance.
• Follows all SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies.
• Performs required pre-operation and post-operation inspections and reports abnormalities or concerns.
• Performs housekeeping duties in assigned areas and assists with housekeeping in other areas of the plant as needed.
• Uses forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment to move empty pallets, bags, ingredients, and other supplies.
• May be assigned to package products and assist with packaging operations as needed.
• Maintains a teamwork-oriented attitude and assists other employees or works in areas outside of the primary assignment when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Minimum Training, Education, and Experience Requirements
• High School Diploma, GED, or one-to-two-year job experience.
• One or more years of experience working in an industrial production environment is strongly preferred.
• Forklift certification required.
• Must be able to read and comprehend production documents, scales, safety manuals, SOPs, and other written materials in English.
• Ability to successfully pass a company-administered mathematics and computer skills assessment for the Production Operator 1 position.
• Must be willing and able to comply with all company safety guidelines and requirements at all times.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays.
• Key Metrics
• Production Operator 1 will be held accountable for the following metrics (not all inclusive) as it relates to the operational area assigned. Additional metrics may be assigned.
• On-Time Batch Completion: Assigned batches are completed accurately and within the scheduled production timeframe.
• Batch Documentation Accuracy: 100% of required batch paperwork and documentation is completed accurately, completely, and in a timely manner.
• Critical Control Point (CCP) Compliance: All required CCP checks are completed accurately and documented without issues or omissions.
• First Time Right (FTR) – Production: Batches are produced correctly the first time without preventable adjustments, rework, waste, or non-conforming product resulting from operator error.
• Pre- and Post-Operation Compliance: All required pre-operation and post-operation checks are completed correctly with no preventable issues.
• Quality Compliance: No preventable quality issues resulting from incorrect ingredients, quantities, processing procedures, equipment operation, or failure to follow established instructions.
• Safety and GMP Compliance: Maintains compliance with company safety requirements, GMPs, food safety procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable
• Training Progress: Completes required training and demonstrates proficiency in assigned production processes and equipment.
• Behavior Competencies:
• To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Attendance/Punctuality
• Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.