Master Batch Mixer | Food Production

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Master Batch Mixer | Food Production

Location: Manteno, IL
Hire Type:  Contract-to-Hire
Pay Rate: $26.00 - $30.00/hour
Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP
Work Schedule: 1st or 2nd Shift Available | May require up to 6 days per week based on business needs

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Master Mixer (Lead Mixer Operator) to lead the mixing department and ensure dough batches are prepared accurately, efficiently, and consistently according to established formulas, recipes, and production schedules. This role oversees the full mixing process, leads Mixing Operators, monitors dough quality, maintains accurate documentation, and ensures production lines receive dough on schedule.

Must-Have Skills:

• 3+ years of bakery manufacturing experience, particularly dough mixing or processing.
• Previous experience as a Mixer Operator, Dough Maker, or Lead in a bakery environment.
• Experience operating industrial mixers and related equipment.
• Strong knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, SQF, allergen controls, and food safety requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot dough inconsistencies and make approved minor formula adjustments.
• Leadership experience with the ability to train and coordinate Mixing Operators.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Job Duties:

• Review production schedules and recipes and accurately weigh, measure, and stage ingredients.
• Verify ingredient quality, lot numbers, expiration dates, allergen status, and FIFO requirements.
• Operate industrial mixers, water meters, hydraulic lifts, and auxiliary equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor mixing times, speeds, dough temperature, hydration, elasticity, and consistency.
• Troubleshoot issues such as under/over-mixing, improper hydration, ingredient clumping, and dough defects.
• Perform in-process quality checks and escalate out-of-spec results to QA or Production management.
• Lead and coordinate Mixing Operators, assign tasks, and maintain efficient batch flow.
• Train less experienced mixers on ingredient scaling, batch setup, and equipment operation.
• Complete batch documentation, including ingredient weights, lot codes, temperatures, mix times, deviations, and adjustments.
• Inspect, clean, sanitize, and report issues with mixers, hoppers, scales, and related equipment.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, allergen controls, food safety, OSHA, PPE, and equipment safety requirements.
• Maintain consistent batch production to keep downstream production lines supplied.
• Adjust batch sequencing based on production needs and support line changeovers.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of bakery manufacturing experience.
• Experience with industrial mixers such as spiral, horizontal, or planetary mixers.
• Experience with specialty doughs and allergen controls preferred.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and food safety regulations.
• Previous leadership or team lead experience.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Comfortable working around loud machinery, equipment alarms, and variable temperatures.
• Must be able to properly use required PPE, including safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.