The Chef Technician is responsible for ensuring that all assigned batches adhere to food safety and quality requirements by verifying ingredients for the product, following cook directions, and following documentation protocols. They are also responsible for assigning job duties to Process Technicians and Process Assistants, working with the schedule to make sure product is ready to package when it should be and to ensure the HACCP guidelines, GMP’s, and SSOP’s are followed.

Duties & Responsibilities include:

• Supports Process Supervisor to meet production schedules, quality, costs, safety, and GMPs as established by plan, budget, processing specification, company policies and procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Verify Pre-flight checklists are completed by the process assistant.
• Verify each ingredient is properly weighed and staged for each item.
• Verify product ingredients before adding to the batch.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of the company’s safety policies, HACCP Plan, GMP’s, and SSOP’s.
• Maintain knowledge of each ingredient, its specifications and allergen status.
• Accurately measure, weigh, blend, and dump all raw materials to be batched for appropriate recipe (s).
• Cook ingredients to specified standards.
• Perform high skilled cooking techniques, such as sautéing.
• Perform process checks on all batches to ensure product quality.
• Ensure equipment is cleaned as necessary, assisting as needed.
• Responsible to accurately check and legibly complete and /or sign all appropriate paperwork and documentation.
• Maintain raw materials staged, in use, and returned in a manner consistent with plant quality, GMP, safety, and sanitation policies.
• Operate and take corrective action on equipment to ensure adequate flow of product to the line.
• Ensure the contents of any raw materials left over from batching are accurately marked before returning them to the warehouse.
• Operate hand pumps, scales, hand jack, and fork lift.
• Maintain housekeeping, GMP’s, and safety in work area.
• Maintain reliable attendance, including overtime as needed.
• Responsible for wearing uniform on daily basis.
• Notify the supervisor of any given issue immediately.
• Inform Supervisor of any deviations of the process immediately to obtain and follow proper action.
• Participate in and contribute to training programs, as designated by the company, that are periodically required to enhance safety, quality, cost, or job performance.
• Assist with directing personnel in department to ensure process, safety, GMP, quality, and environmental requirements are met. Lead process team members by example.
• Responsible for minimal errors in the process department through verification of paperwork.
• Aid Process Supervisor in training and development, assessment and team motivation. Ensure team members follow all safety rules.
• Act as relief for a variety of positions to cover for breaks and lunches as needed.
• Communicate daily with process supervisor and offer suggestions on improving processes and efficiencies.
• Assist with daily process team meetings to address problems in the batch area and discuss upcoming changes etc.
• Assist with product recall procedures as necessary.
• Serve as back up for the critical job duties for the process supervisor, performing duties in his or her absence.
• Perform other duties as needed or requested by management.

Preferred:

• 2 Years experience in Processing/Batching in a food manufacturing environment.
• Forklift Certification

Knowledge and Skills Needed to Perform Effectively in this Position:

• Mathematical aptitude sufficient enough to perform the duties of the position which include but are not limited to following cook directions, weighing and verifying ingredients.
• Ability to interact with other employees in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to complete assignments with minimal direction.
• Qualified to operate a fork lift.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrate mechanical and mathematical aptitude.
• Must be able to maintain a technical approach to problem solving.
• Strong leadership and ability to motivate subordinates.
• Team building skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be mobile and be able to travel/navigate throughout the facility.
• Must be able to frequently lift 50 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to read documents and use equipment.
• Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with internal and external contacts.
• Must be able to occasionally climb, stoop or kneel to perform routine tasks within the scope of the job.
• Must be able to grip/grab objects.