Production Operator

The Production Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring industrial bakery equipment used in the production of bread. This role ensures machines run efficiently to produce consistent, high-quality products while maintaining food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support without hesitation General Plant Safety, Food Safety, Food Defense Initiatives and Good Manufacturing Practices with an understanding that these are absolutes and are Priority #1.
• Operate and monitor bread production machinery during the manufacturing process.
• Set up machines for different production runs according to product specifications and production schedules.
• Adjust machine settings to control dough weight, shape, speed, and consistency.
• Ensure that the correct and current production schedule is used to set up line specifications to include but not limited to product to be produced, weight, lengths, and product amounts.
• Inspect products during production to ensure they meet quality and appearance standards.
• Must be able to verify through the texture of the dough to assure units will develop through the production process as expected.
• Identify and resolve minor mechanical issues or production line stoppages.
• Work closely with maintenance personnel when equipment requires repair or adjustment.
• Maintain accurate production records and machine operation logs.
• Complete all required quality assurance and RedZone checks, paperwork and accurately document this information as required.
• Ensure work areas and equipment remain clean and sanitary in compliance with food safety regulations.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and company safety policies.
• Conduct and/or assist with changeovers, cleaning, and routine equipment maintenance.
• Know where emergency STOP and START/STOP buttons are
• Must stay on the line and work until cleared to leave by a manager or supervisor
• Participate in the training of employees as needed.
• Perform all requests and/or assignments as assigned by the Supervisor or Line Leader.
• May be required to work weekends, holidays as well as overtime during high production periods.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires physical strain such as long periods of standing and short period of bending, climbing, and lifting overhead, as well as repetitive tasks. Ability to lift approximately 35 - 45 pounds. The ability to work around moving equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working around moving machinery, powered equipment, slippery floors and dusty areas. Very hot conditions during summer seasons. Protective clothing such as uniform, shoes and gloves are required.

Knowledge / Skills

• Ability to operate and monitor automated or semi-automated production machinery.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Basic math skills to compute product calculations as well as the ability read measurements on the identified measuring devices to check product weight, height and length.
• Strong attention to detail to maintain product consistency and quality.
• Ability to follow production instructions and safety procedures.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

EDUCATION & REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing, bakery production, or machine operation preferred.
• Experience working with industrial production equipment is an advantage.