Commissary Prep Cook - Irvine

Production Team Member

Northgate Gonzalez Market has grown from one store in Anaheim in 1980 to over 40 locations across Southern California, and we're looking for passionate, customer-focused team members to join our family. We offer flexible schedules, opportunities for growth, and an associate discount of up to 20% for you and your household—all in a positive and fun work environment where you'll feel valued and appreciated. If you're enthusiastic, team-oriented, and ready to build a career with us, we'd love to meet you.

As a key member of our production team, you will execute and oversee daily production activities according to the Production Manager's schedule, adhering to the company's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols. Your role is crucial in ensuring that all processes meet customer specifications, minimize risk, and maintain the highest standards of quality. Operating steam kettles with precision and safety is paramount, in line with company guidelines. You will collaborate closely with the Production Manager to cook products that meet quality, safety, innovation, and cost metrics consistently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Production Manager in executing daily production schedules across the facility.
• Implement lock-out/tag-out procedures within your area of responsibility.
• Weigh, mix, and batch all product formulations according to recipes provided.
• Execute Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures under the direction of the Quality Assurance team.
• Strictly follow procedural steps outlined in recipes without deviation.
• Practice safety protocols when handling process equipment and collaborate with the Sanitation team to maintain sanitary conditions.
• Report any equipment malfunctions promptly and collaborate with the Maintenance department to ensure preventive maintenance is carried out.
• Ensure personal safety and the safety of fellow associates.
• Implement the quality assurance program according to company standards.
• Maintain optimal sanitation conditions in the work area, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), HACCP, and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
• Adhere to company standards in executing the allergen program and promptly report any deviations.
• Accurately complete paperwork related to temperature checks, traceability, and process sequences.
• Batch formulas meticulously, double-checking weights and measures, and documenting procedural steps.
• Ensure the proper calibration and sanitation of scales, meters, and thermometers before use.
• Adhere rigorously to GMPs and promptly report potential cross-contamination situations.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to company policies and procedures regarding clocking in/out for shifts and breaks.
• Utilize appropriate protective gear when handling hot steam lines and valves.
• Assist Plant Management with product changeovers.
• Maintain positive relationships among all levels of associates.
• Implement the First In, First Out (FIFO) policy.

Qualifications:

• Food handlers' certification is mandatory.
• Willingness to learn and follow directions.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Basic problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Basic knowledge of food manufacturing and processing.
• Ability to effectively communicate daily production requirements.
• Proactive, resourceful, highly motivated, with excellent communication skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to follow through in all areas of responsibility.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. frequently and 40 lbs. occasionally, and perform various physical tasks.
• Ability to work with others and coordinate production activities.
• Excellent attendance record and flexibility for occasional seasonal work.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Education and/or Experience:

• 1+ years of demonstrated manufacturing and processing supervisory experience, with increasing responsibilities.
• High school diploma desirable but not mandatory.

Language Skills:

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English; bilingual in English and Spanish highly desirable.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to perform basic calculations for formulation and assembly.

Reasoning Ability:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Computer Skills:

• Basic understanding of batching processes in control panels of kettles.

Work Environment:

• The work environment may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, heat, water, noise, and some chemicals.
• Physical demands include lifting, standing, walking, reaching, climbing, and operating machinery.

Important Disclaimer Notice:

The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.

Truck drivers must be able to pass a standard drug test and qualify as being "drug-free" under the legal and medical guidelines permitted by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988." All other employees not subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol rules and comparable state laws, must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, which will not screen for non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites.

Northgate Markets is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Northgate Markets will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Ban the Box Law).

Pay Range: $21.7500 to $24.8750 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.