Oven Operator

The Oven Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and monitoring industrial baking ovens used in the production of Stellar Snacks pretzels. This role ensures pretzels are baked to quality standards for color, texture, and food safety specifications while maintaining a clean, efficient, and safe production environment.SCOPEThe Oven Operator reports directly to the Production Supervisor and is responsible for the full baking cycle — from oven startup and product loading through monitoring, quality inspection, and shutdown. The role requires cross-functional communication with Maintenance and QC teams and active participation in changeovers, sanitation, and continuous improvement of throughput.ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIESOven Operation & MonitoringOperate and monitor industrial ovens used in pretzel bakingAdjust oven temperature, belt speed, and bake time to meet product specificationsLoad, monitor, and unload pretzel products throughout the baking processVisually inspect pretzels for proper color, texture, and doneness; make adjustments as neededRecord production data including temperatures, bake times, and lot informationEquipment Adjustments & ChangeoversAdjust kiln belt speed to correct moisture issuesAdjust the mixer to correct for texture issues with the doughPerform complete changeovers without assistance from management, including loading proper oven and mixer profilesEnsure all proper ingredients are added and set to correct set pointsAdjust transfer points from proofer to cooker and from cooker to ovenChange the blade on the Guillotine and adjust the sweep properly for the product runningChange the fingers on the Band Cutter and adjust for proper operationAssist with startups and shutdowns as requiredSanitation & MaintenancePerform routine cleaning and sanitation of ovens and surrounding equipmentClean and replace filters on combustion blowersAdhere to all safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and heat-related safety protocolsQuality & ComplianceFollow all food safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)Monitor product quality continuously and escalate concerns promptlyComplete all required documentation accurately and on timeTeam & CommunicationCommunicate equipment issues or production concerns to the Supervisor or Maintenance teamSupport overall production goals by maintaining throughput and minimizing downtimePerform other duties as assignedIN THE EVENT OF AN ABSENCEAnother experienced employee will assume responsibility for the essential functions of this position.QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSHigh school diploma or GED preferred1+ year of experience in food manufacturing, baking, or oven operation preferredAbility to follow written and verbal instructionsBasic math skills for measurements, timing, and documentationStrong attention to detail and commitment to qualityAbility to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environmentAbility to work comfortably in a hot environment for extended periodsPrior Oven Experience RequiredLOTO (Lockout/Tagout) understanding and compliancePHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing bakery environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and communicate. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. The work environment involves exposure to high heat from industrial ovens; the noise level is usually moderate to loud. Use of safety equipment — including eye protection, hearing protectors, heat-resistant gloves, and hair nets — is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Stellar-Snacks-LL