Blender ​/ Industrial Cook (1st Shift

Blender / Industrial Cook

QPS Employment Group is hiring a Blender / Industrial Cook for a company in Ixonia, WI. This is an associate to hire opportunity on 1st shift.

Position Summary:

The Food Blender Operator is responsible for accurately preparing, measuring, mixing, and blending ingredients according to established formulas, recipes, and production schedules in a food manufacturing environment. This role operates and monitors industrial blending and mixing equipment, ensures product quality and consistency, maintains food safety standards, and supports overall production efficiency. The ideal candidate has experience in food manufacturing, batch processing, machine operation, quality control, and GMP-compliant environments.

Key Responsibilities:

- Set up, operate, monitor, and adjust industrial blenders, mixers, batch processors, and related production equipment
- Follow detailed formulas, recipes, work orders, and production schedules to manufacture food products accurately
- Perform equipment start-up, shutdown, changeovers, and line clearances according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) - Monitor blending times, ingredient ratios, temperatures, and product consistency throughout the process
- Accurately measure, weigh, stage, and add raw materials and ingredients according to batch sheets and specifications
- Verify ingredient identities, lot codes, and quantities before processing
- Maintain batch accuracy while minimizing material waste
- Conduct in-process quality checks to ensure product consistency, texture, color, and specification compliance
- Document production data, quality checks, deviations, and corrective actions
- Report quality concerns to supervisors and Quality Assurance personnel
- Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP requirements, food safety regulations, and company policies
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintain a safe work environment
- Follow allergen control, sanitation, and contamination prevention procedures
- Perform routine inspections and basic preventive maintenance on blending equipment
- Identify mechanical, operational, or process issues and take corrective action when appropriate
- Partner with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules
- Clean, sanitize, and prepare blending equipment, containers, and work areas according to sanitation procedures
- Complete required sanitation documentation and compliance records
- Monitor ingredient inventory levels and communicate shortages or discrepancies
- Safely move ingredients, raw materials, and finished products using appropriate material handling equipment
- Support inventory accuracy and proper ingredient rotation (FIFO) - Work closely with Production Supervisors, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams
- Assist with continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, safety, and production efficiency

Required Qualifications:

- High school diploma or GED preferred - 1+ years of experience in food manufacturing, food processing, batch mixing, blending, machine operation, or industrial production environments
- Ability to read and follow recipes, formulas, batch records, SOPs, and production instructions
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality
- Basic math skills for weighing, measuring, and calculating ingredient quantities
- Ability to accurately complete production and quality documentation
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience operating industrial blenders, ribbon mixers, paddle mixers, V-blenders, or batch processing equipment
- Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, FDA, or USDA food safety requirements
- Forklift certification or material handling experience
- Experience working in high-volume food manufacturing environments

Physical Requirements:

- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout a shift
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Ability to wear PPE and other required safety equipment

Work Environment:

- Food manufacturing and production facility
- Exposure to varying temperatures, food ingredients, noise, dust, and production equipment
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and various shifts as production demands require