Manufacturing Associate

Production Operator 1 is responsible for safely and accurately producing finished products according to batch tickets, established procedures, SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, and quality standards. Production Operators may be assigned to Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat, or Rice operations and are responsible for learning and properly performing assigned production processes, operating equipment safely, completing required documentation, maintaining product quality, and supporting efficient plant operations.

Production Operator 1 is an entry-level production position and is expected to develop proficiency in assigned processes and equipment while working under the direction and guidance of the Production Lead and experienced production personnel.

Responsible for safely and accurately producing assigned batches while following SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies. Maintains a disciplined and methodical approach to each production lot and is accountable for the quality and results of the products produced. Supports overall plant operations through teamwork, housekeeping, material handling, and assistance in other production areas as needed.

Direct Reports:
No direct reports.

• Sets up and starts mixing tanks, blenders, and other assigned production equipment according to established procedures.
• Obtains, reviews, and understands all documentation required to produce assigned batches.
• Verifies that the correct ingredients, materials, lot numbers, and quantities are used for each batch.
• Operates mixers, scales, meters, pumps, forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other equipment safely and properly.
• Follows laboratory instructions regarding batch approval, adjustments, and additional production requirements.
• Performs basic quality control checks, including measuring, weighing, sealing, package counts, and evaluating product and package appearance.
• Follows all SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies.
• Performs required pre-operation and post-operation inspections and reports abnormalities or concerns.
• Performs housekeeping duties in assigned areas and assists with housekeeping in other areas of the plant as needed.
• Uses forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment to move empty pallets, bags, ingredients, and other supplies.
• May be assigned to package products and assist with packaging operations as needed.
• Maintains a teamwork-oriented attitude and assists other employees or works in areas outside of the primary assignment when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma, GED, or one-to-two-year job experience.
• One or more years of experience working in an industrial production environment is strongly preferred.
• Forklift certification required.
• Must be able to read and comprehend production documents, scales, safety manuals, SOPs, and other written materials in English.
• Ability to successfully pass a company-administered mathematics and computer skills assessment for the Production Operator 1 position.
• Must be willing and able to comply with all company safety guidelines and requirements at all times.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays.

• On-Time Batch Completion:
  Assigned batches are completed accurately and within the scheduled production timeframe.
• Batch Documentation Accuracy: 100% of required batch paperwork and documentation is completed accurately, completely, and in a timely manner.
• Critical Control Point (CCP) Compliance:
  All required CCP checks are completed accurately and documented without issues or omissions.
• First Time Right (FTR) – Production:
  Batches are produced correctly the first time without preventable adjustments, rework, waste, or non-conforming product resulting from operator error.
• Pre- and Post-Operation Compliance:
  All required pre-operation and post-operation checks are completed correctly with no preventable issues.
• Quality Compliance:
  No preventable quality issues resulting from incorrect ingredients, quantities, processing procedures, equipment operation, or failure to follow established instructions.
• Safety and GMP Compliance:
  Maintains compliance with company safety requirements, GMPs, food safety procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable
• Training Progress:
  Completes required training and…