Blending Operator

Blending Operator

The Blending Operator is responsible for ensuring safe and quality-driven batching within expected timeframes. This entry-level position also involves completing cleaning/washes aligned with Food Safety & Quality requirements to avoid production interruptions. There are opportunities for advancement to Blending Operator II and III positions based on performance and experience.

General Responsibilities for All Blending Positions

• Work in teams of 2 or 3 in the blending room.
• Add 50 lbs bags into the blender according to recipes in the SAP software system.
• Fill, label, and palletize new bags for shipment.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Quality standards.
• Maintain room organization and cleanliness in a safe manner.
• Accurately enter data into SAP.
• Adhere to safety policies and maintain a hazard-free work area.
• Attend Tier 1 Meetings and provide input as requested.
• Understand room washes and allergen/non-allergen requirements.
• Maintain GMPs and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards.
• Report all accidents and near-misses immediately.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
• Report to the shift supervisor and follow the direction of the cell lead or production team lead.

Blending Operator II

• Troubleshoot some production issues.
• Participate in problem-solving activities.
• Complete Attainment to Plan Board with support.
• Operate a forklift and perform related duties.
• Complete room washes.

Blending Operator III

• Troubleshoot complex production issues independently.
• Collaborate in problem-solving activities, identifying opportunities and solutions.
• Ensure completion of the Attainment to Plan Board independently.
• Operate a forklift and perform related duties with minimal supervision.
• Perform full room washes independently.
• Report and investigate all employee incidents (Safety, Food Safety, & Quality).
• Identify opportunities and participate in Root Cause Analysis for the department.
• Execute and delegate "if down, do" activities.
• Train and support employee adherence to all policies and procedures (e.g., breaks), address concerns, and escalate to Production Lead for support.
• Interpret production schedule in chronological order to determine the next process to run and maintain leads on lines to prevent downtime.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to understand job terminology.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use a scan gun and computer tablet.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal procedures or instructions.
• Previous experience in manufacturing and blending operations preferred.
• Previous work experience in a food manufacturing and distribution environment preferred.
• Previous experience with scanners/RF guns preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Food manufacturing plant and warehouse environment.
• Ability to kneel, bend, squat, carry, reach, stand, grip, push, pull, extend arms, and perform elevated work.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, or wet environments, which may be dusty at times.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds continuously.
• Ability to work overtime and maintain a flexible schedule.
• Ability to walk a lot throughout the day.
• Ability to continuously stand/walk for up to 12 hours.
• Ability to climb stairs or ladders.

Additional Information

This job description provides a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities required for this job. It should not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Employees may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description. Kerry reserves the right to revise this job description as necessary.

Kerry is an Equal Opportunity Employer.