Production Operator

Operator Position

The Operator is responsible for safely operating production equipment while ensuring food safety, product quality, and operational efficiency standards are consistently met. This role supports daily manufacturing operations by following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and SQF food safety requirements. The Operator monitors equipment performance, performs routine quality checks, records production data, and works collaboratively with team members and leadership to achieve production goals, minimize downtime, and maintain a safe and organized work environment.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Follows the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program adheres to all safety procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
• Immediately report any safety incidents, near misses, or potential hazards to the Supervisor and/or Team Lead for further investigation.
• Consistently adheres to GMPs and SOPs for all procedures for which training has been completed.
• Immediately reports contamination risks, foreign material incidents, or food safety concerns to the Supervisor and/or Team Lead.
• Performs routine quality inspections, including AQL checks, to ensure food safety and product quality standards are met and reports any deficiencies immediately to the Team Lead or Supervisor.
• Follows the Tool Accountability Program to maintain proper tool control and ensure compliance with SQF food safety standards.
• Utilizes Safety Chain and other automated systems to accurately capture production data for KPI tracking and operational reporting.
• Meets or exceeds yield, scrap, and RFT standards in the assigned area, taking ownership of quality, efficiency, and process compliance.
• Performs setup and teardown of equipment according to SOPs and Standard Work Instructions.
• Verifies equipment readiness prior to startup, including preflight safety checks and proper setup.
• Operates equipment according to established production standards (LPs) to ensure efficiency, productivity, and consistent output.
• Performs necessary machine adjustments and troubleshooting to maintain ownership of the line and minimize downtime.
• Communicates mechanical issues and troubleshooting efforts to the Team Lead for evaluation. When maintenance is required, observes repairs, asks questions, and partners with the maintenance team to help identify solutions.
• Maintains daily records of downtime and collaborates with the Team Lead to identify and implement process improvements to reduce excessive operational downtime.
• Collaborates effectively in a team-oriented environment, providing direction and basic instruction to line workers to support operational functions within the assigned area.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and predictable attendance, recognizing that consistent presence is critical to team productivity and operational success.
• Maintains housekeeping standards by ensuring equipment and work areas are clean before, during, and after each shift in accordance with SQF standards.
• Monitors inventory levels of materials and supplies used in production and ensures timely replenishment to avoid interruptions in the manufacturing process.
• Accurately records inventory lot numbers used in production, ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and adherence to inventory management practices.
• Manages quick changeovers according to the cleaning matrix, ensuring efficient transitions between products.
• Completes additional specialized training, such as operation of manual pallet jacks or Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) equipment, when required by job assignment or operational needs.
• Understands daily production schedules and priorities, managing time and tasks independently to ensure production goals are met with minimal supervision.
• Performs other job-related duties, projects, or assignments as directed by leadership or management.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.
• Promotes a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork at all times.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED and at least 3 years of related experience.

Experience:

• Ability to fluently speak and understand English.

Key Competencies & Traits:

• Excellent observational skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills both Verbal and Written
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written work-related instructions
• Ability to track and record production information as necessary.
• Takes initiative to work without close supervision
• Works with urgency to hit daily goals
• Computer literate, able to navigate Safety Chain for reporting
• Proficient in basic mathematics
• Knowledge of GMPs and SOP's
• Good mechanical attitude.

Physical Requirements:

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.

• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds with assistance or equipment.
• The employee will perform the required job functions in loud, hot, humid and cold manufacturing environments.
• Visual acuity requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception, particularly for work with computers and troubleshooting equipment.