Operator Blending

Operator Blending

Location: Denmark, WI, US, 54208

We are a leading manufacturer of premium, ready-to-eat link sausages and hot dogs. The company was founded in 2004 by four brothers, Chris, Joe, Mark, and Pete Salm. They partnered their individual talents together to create our organization, using the "partnership" concept as the cornerstone for our success. Since then, we have expanded and have two production plants with over 1,000 partners in Denmark, WI. In 2023, Johnsonville purchased Salm Partners to help grow not only its own ready-to-eat sausage business, but the ready-to-eat sausage category as a whole. The combination of the country's most trusted retail sausage brand (Johnsonville) with the industry leading manufacturer (Salm Partners) has created a world class organization. We are committed to growth as a company and to our partners! Apply today and discover your opportunity to grow with us.

Position Overview

• 1st Shift 6AM - 2PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed
• 2nd Shift 2PM - 10PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed
• 3rd Shift 10PM - 6AM Sunday - Thursday; Fridays as needed
• 2-2-3 Schedule 6AM - 6PM or 6PM - 6AM

Performs all activities related to the meat formulation and blending preparation of raw meat product for processing, and sanitation of the Blending and Seasoning rooms. Complies with all safety, food safety, SQF, quality, GMP and USDA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Verify the production menu for process and product specifications per the Operational Parameters sheet from the MAS500 system prior to start-up to determine formulation and blending needs.
• Assemble and set up the formulation and blending rooms' equipment for production operation.
• Identify the spices and additional ingredients for the product to be blended during the shift; gather supplies from the Spice Room and deliver to the Seasoning Room for use.
• Verify and log the raw meat vat information and ingredients.
• Load raw meat from hopper to the blender. Add ingredients per the established recipe requirements.
• Monitor the blend during the mixing process; conduct process checks to verify the blend consistency for stuffing.
• Generate and apply blend labels to vats, with date, quantity, ingredients, etc. for lot traceability.
• Complete the required paperwork, including batch sheets, rework usage log, etc.
• Disassemble, sanitize and reassemble equipment as identified on the Changeover Matrix between production blends as required.
• Perform daily and weekly sanitation duties that include the following: sweep and mop floors; wash and wipe down equipment, wash parts and walls; empty and clean bins and barrels; remove and dispose of all waste; mop and clean the Formulation, Blending, Grinder and Seasoning Rooms; clean the ice machine and raw cooler, and other areas weekly or as needed.
• Assist with training Backup Operators and operators hired onto the shift.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as required. Exercise safety precautions when using cleaning chemicals, using cleaning chemicals appropriate to the task. Follows established equipment Lockout/Tagout procedures as required. Follow all safety rules and regulations per established company policies.
• Provide backup assistance to other department personnel as needs dictate.
• Operate a forklift and pallet jack to pull and move raw materials, product and supplies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education

A minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalency and a minimum of 6 months experience as a Backup Blender Operator is normally required. A minimum of 3 years work experience in a USDA- regulated environment is strongly preferred.

Experience

Experience with meat blending operations or ready-to-eat processed meats manufacturing is strongly preferred. Experience with formulating sausage to defined fat and moisture levels, incorporating water/fat-binding ingredients and inclusions (IQF vegetables, cheese) into sausage is highly desired.

Skills

• Communication Skills Must possess good verbal and interpersonal communication skills Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as product information, process instructions, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Computer Skills Must possess computer proficiency with Excel, Outlook, SalmWiki and MAS500 or related integrated ERP manufacturing software system.
• Mathematical Skills Must have strong basic math skills, with the ability to calculate percentages and fractions for recipe quantities and meat formulations.

Benefits and Compensation

Full-time Partners at Salm have access to a wide range of benefits designed to support their well-being and future. This includes a 401(k) with a company match, health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as an optional Health Savings Account (HSA). Salm also provides company-paid short-term disability and life insurance policies. Full-time Partners enjoy paid time off (PTO) and the opportunity to grow within a values-driven and team-focused environment. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and position.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. Salm Partners is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability. We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.