Operations & Equipment Specialist

Position Summary The Operations & Equipment Specialist is responsible for operating, mastering, troubleshooting, and continuously improving high-speed manufacturing and packaging equipment throughout the bakery.

This position is designed for individuals who enjoy working with machinery, solving problems, learning complex production systems, and building a long-term career in manufacturing. Operations & Equipment Specialists are expected to become equipment experts within their department while progressing through Michigan Bread Company’s certification program.

This is not a traditional machine operator position. It is a skilled manufacturing career with defined certification levels, pay progression, and opportunities to advance into leadership.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Equipment Operation Safely operate high-speed production and packaging equipment.

Start up, shut down, monitor, and operate assigned production lines.

Maintain product quality while meeting production goals.

Monitor machine performance and production flow.

Operate multiple equipment types as certification levels increase.

Machine Setup & Changeovers Perform product changeovers.

Install and remove change parts.

Adjust machine settings for various products.

Verify equipment is operating within established specifications.

Prepare equipment for sanitation and production startup.

Troubleshooting Identify production and equipment issues quickly.

Perform basic operational troubleshooting.

Escalate maintenance concerns appropriately.

Assist with minimizing downtime and increasing equipment reliability.

Support continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality & Food Safety Follow all GMP, SQF, HACCP, food safety, and sanitation requirements.

Perform quality inspections throughout production.

Complete required production documentation accurately.

Ensure products meet all customer specifications.

Operational Excellence Reduce waste through proper equipment operation.

Improve production efficiency.

Maintain organized and clean work areas.

Participate in continuous improvement projects.

Demonstrate ownership of assigned equipment.

Certification Program All Operations & Equipment Specialists participate in the Michigan Bread Company Certification Program.

Advancement and compensation are based on demonstrated competency—not tenure alone.

Career Progression:

Operator I ($20–23/hr)
Department Certified Operator ($24–28/hr)
Senior Operations & Equipment Specialist ($29–31/hr)
Operations & Equipment Master Specialist ($32–34/hr)
Lead Operator Supervisor Production  Manager Operations Leadership

Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED preferred.

Mechanical aptitude required.

Manufacturing experience preferred but not required.

Ability to learn multiple production systems.

Strong attendance and reliability.

Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Ability to read and follow work instructions.

Basic math and problem-solving skills.

Willingness to cross-train and learn multiple departments.

Preferred Background Ideal candidates may come from:

Automotive manufacturing

Food manufacturing

Skilled trades

Vocational or technical schools

Farm or agricultural operations

Military experience

Warehouse and distribution operations

Mechanical or maintenance backgrounds

No bakery experience is required. We will train individuals with strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Technical Skills Mechanical aptitude

Equipment operation

Machine adjustments

Changeovers

Basic troubleshooting

Production documentation

Process improvement

Equipment inspections

Soft Skills Teamwork Communication Accountability Attention  to detail

Adaptability

Continuous learning

Leadership potential

Time management

Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

Bend, stoop, reach, twist, and climb stairs.

Work in hot, cold, noisy, and fast-paced production environments.

Wear required PPE at all times.

Success Measures Successful Operations & Equipment Specialists consistently demonstrate:

Safe work practices

High-quality production

Equipment ownership

Attendance and reliability

Low waste and downtime

Accurate documentation

Continuous learning

Positive teamwork

Successful completion of certification levels

Career Development Michigan Bread Company is committed to developing manufacturing professionals through structured training, certification, and advancement opportunities.

Employees who successfully complete certification levels may advance into:

Department Certified Operator Senior Operations & Equipment Specialist Operations & Equipment Master Specialist Lead Operator Supervisor Production  Manager Operations Leadership This position offers a defined career path with skill-based pay increases, advanced equipment certifications, leadership development, and long-term growth opportunities within the company.
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