Whey Protein Operator

The Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and hygienic operation of lactose processing equipment, including dryers, evaporators, centrifuges, and filtration systems. This role ensures consistent product quality by monitoring key processing parameters and performing routine maintenance and sanitation in alignment with standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and quality standards.

Schedule:

2nd shift 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Rotating 2-2-3 Schedule)

• Operates equipment involved in whey protein concentrate production, including separators, heat treatment, filtration, evaporators, and bagging systems.
• Monitors flow rates, pressure, temperature, and other critical parameters throughout the WPC process.
• Troubleshoots operational issues and reports or resolves minor mechanical faults.
• Ensures raw materials and consumables are available and properly staged.
• Monitors product levels, temperatures, and flow in whey tanks, balance tanks, cream tanks, and the Reverse Osmosis (RO) system; accurately records data on production logs.
• Performs routine sanitation of all whey plant equipment in accordance with cleaning schedules, documents cleaning procedures per regulatory and company standards.
• Complies with all company policies related to Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action.
• Trains new team members on WPC plant duties, operating procedures, and safety protocols.
• Cross train in Intake if necessary.

• Operates and monitors WPC dryers (spray dryer and fluid bed) to ensure optimal drying parameters are maintained.
• Adjusts temperature, airflow, and feed rates as needed to ensure consistent product moisture and quality.
• Conducts regular visual inspections to identify issues such as buildup, clogging, or abnormal noise/vibration.
• Collects and tests in-process samples for moisture, particle size, and purity.
• Performs cleaning-in-place (CIP) and manual cleaning procedures on the dryer and auxiliary systems as required.
• Controls the reverse osmosis (RO) and polisher systems to produce high-quality concentrated whey, adjusting flow rates, pressure, and temperature as needed; directs product to appropriate storage tanks and conducts in-process testing.
• Manages whey plant cleaning chemicals, maintains proper inventory levels, and assists with receiving and storage of incoming chemical deliveries.

This position is not responsible for leading team members.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
• 2-3 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.

• Alignment with Company Values:
  Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Adaptability:
  Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
• Attention to Detail:
  Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
• Decision Making:
  Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
• Effective Communication:
  Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
• Reading and Comprehension:
  Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Resourcefulness:
  Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
• Self-Motivation:
  Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to…