Processing Operator

Mix Room Operator The Mix Room Operator supports all aspects of mix room production, from accurately blending ingredients and operating processing equipment to maintaining strict food safety and quality standards in a clean, temperature-controlled facility. This role works with batching systems, inventory tools, and mixing machinery to produce consistent, high-quality product while following detailed procedures and documentation requirements. Responsibilities Follow detailed recipe blending instructions to accurately issue materials by lot and physically mix and blend recipes and batches. Maintain accurate inventory lots and proper storage conditions for all ingredients used in production. Operate a refractometer and record accurate Brix measurements for every batch. Perform organoleptic testing on each batch to verify quality and consistency. Use the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to pick and stage batches according to FIFO (First In, First Out) principles and promptly notify management of any discrepancies. Complete Clean-in-Place (CIP) circuits, including chemical checks, hand washing, and all steps outlined in Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs). Operate all mix and blending equipment safely and efficiently according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including the use of a forklift. Immediately inform the Mix Room Manager or Maintenance staff of any mechanical or equipment issues. Apply and uphold company Food Safety, Food Quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and HACCP rules and requirements, stopping production and notifying Management or Quality Control of any potential food safety or quality issues. Unload tankers as needed while following all safety procedures and guidelines. Follow the Mix Room production schedule and complete assigned jobs within the allotted time frames. Maintain clear, ongoing communication with the Mix Room Manager, Maintenance, and Quality Control teams to ensure production standards and timelines are met. Complete all required batch records and SSOP documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Operate all Mix Room equipment, including starting up and running out batches through pasteurizers to achieve target Brix levels. Ensure all equipment is operated safely and in compliance with SOPs and SSOPs at all times. Operate a yard tractor to place and remove tankers as needed to support production flow. Check inventory levels, print lot tags, perform physical inventory counts, receive inventory, and create batches as needed using the Deacom system. Support related production activities such as blending, batching, compounding, filling, packaging, and packing as required. Learn and apply safe forklift operation to move materials and support production needs. Essential Skills 12 years of manufacturing experience in a production and mixing role. 12+ months of mixing machine operation experience, preferably in a GMP-regulated environment. Experience with production, machine operation, mixing, blending, batching, compounding, and general machine operating tasks. Ability to lift 50+ pounds on occasion. Ability to bend, twist, and crouch consistently during the shift. Strong oral, written, and reading communication skills to follow procedures, document work, and coordinate with team members. Ability to learn and use operating systems including WMS, Red Zone, Deacom, and other production-related software. Ability to follow GMP, Food Safety, Food Quality, and HACCP rules and requirements. Capability to operate and monitor mixing equipment, pasteurizers, and related production machinery according to SOPs and SSOPs. Attention to detail for accurate batch record completion, Brix measurements, organoleptic testing, and inventory control. Additional Skills & Qualifications Food industry experience is a plus. Experience in a GMP-regulated food manufacturing environment is preferred. Familiarity with chemical handling related to cleaning and sanitation processes (CIP and SSOPs). Experience with batch records, batch making, and batch documentation. Exposure to filling, packaging, and packing operations in a production environment. Willingness to learn forklift operation and yard tractor operation for tanker movement. Comfort working with inventory systems to check stock, print lot tags, complete physical counts, and receive materials. Ability to work effectively across different shifts and adapt to production schedules as needed. Why Work Here? You will join a privately held, growing company that offers a supportive environment with clear opportunities for advancement. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes 401(k) with company match and insurance options such as health, dental, and vision. There is potential for profit sharing, reflecting a culture that values shared success and long-term employee growth. You will work in a stable, well-organized operation that invests in modern systems and clean, well-maintained facilities, supporting both professional development and work-life balance. Work Environment This role is based in a GMP-regulated, very clean, 135,000-square-foot, temperature-controlled facility that is well maintained. The environment follows strict food safety, food quality, GMP, and HACCP standards. You will work with mixing and blending equipment, pasteurizers, tankers, forklifts, yard tractors, and production systems such as WMS, Red Zone, and Deacom. The position operates on structured shifts: 1st shift runs 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 2nd shift runs 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 3rd shift runs 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. The facility supports an active production environment that requires regular lifting, bending, twisting, and crouching while maintaining compliance with safety and GMP standards. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hopkins, MN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Hopkins, MN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.