Batter Operator-3rd shift

Cardinal Foods a domestic Marketer, Manufacturer and Distributor of traditional, specialty and value-added fruit and vegetable ingredients. These products are currently manufactured in North Carolina with a short-term eye on growth in the southeast and then to other concentrated growing areas nationally. CF may also be engaging in other complimentary business ventures as the opportunities arise in the future.

Job Summary

The Batter Operator is responsible for preparing, operating, and monitoring the batter system used in the production of battered sweet potato fries. The operator ensures batter is mixed according to product specifications and maintained at the proper consistency, temperature, and flow rate to provide a consistent coating on the sweet potato fries.

The Batter Operator works closely with the Fryer Operator, Production Supervisor, Quality Assurance, Sanitation, and Maintenance teams to maintain product quality, food safety, production efficiency, and safe operation of the processing line.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare batter according to approved recipes, formulas, and production specifications.

• Accurately weigh and add flour, starches, seasonings, water, and other approved ingredients.

• Operate and monitor batter mixing tanks, agitators, pumps, screens/filters, and coating equipment.

• Maintain proper batter temperature, viscosity, consistency, and level throughout production.

• Monitor batter flow to ensure even and consistent coating of sweet potato fries.

• Adjust batter flow, pump speed, agitation, and other operating parameters as needed.

• Monitor the condition and appearance of coated sweet potato fries.

• Perform routine checks for batter coverage, adhesion, color, and consistency.

• Coordinate with the Fryer Operator to maintain proper product flow into the fryer.

• Monitor batter usage and minimize product and ingredient waste.

• Replenish batter and ingredients as required to maintain continuous production.

• Make recipe or process adjustments only as authorized by established procedures.

• Complete required batch records, production paperwork, and quality documentation.

• Monitor equipment for leaks, unusual sounds, improper operation, or other problems.

• Report equipment problems and production issues to the Production Supervisor or Maintenance Department.

• Assist with line startups, shutdowns, product changeovers, and product transitions.

• Follow product specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Perform required cleaning and sanitation of batter equipment and surrounding areas.

• Follow all GMP, HACCP, allergen-control, food safety, and sanitation requirements.

• Wear required PPE and follow all plant safety procedures.

• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when required and authorized.

• Communicate production or quality concerns promptly to the appropriate personnel.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Quality Responsibilities

The Batter Operator is responsible for helping ensure that battered sweet potato fries meet established quality standards. This includes monitoring:

• Batter viscosity and consistency.

• Batter temperature.

• Batter level and flow.

• Coating coverage and uniformity.

• Batter adhesion to the sweet potato fries.

• Product appearance and color.

• Batter pickup/coating weight, when applicable.

• Product flow and consistency entering the fryer.

• Foreign material and food safety concerns.

Any product or process that does not meet specifications must be reported immediately to the Production Supervisor and/or Quality Assurance Department.

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all GMP and HACCP requirements.

• Follow allergen-control procedures and prevent cross-contact.

• Verify that correct ingredients are being used for each product.

• Maintain proper ingredient identification and lot traceability.

• Follow required handwashing and personal hygiene practices.

• Keep batter equipment and surrounding areas sanitary.

• Report potential food safety hazards immediately.

• Follow all product hold and disposition procedures when applicable.

Qualifications

• Previous food-processing or manufacturing experience preferred.

• Previous experience operating production equipment preferred.

• Experience with batter, breading, coating, or frozen-food processing is a plus.

• Ability to accurately measure ingredients and follow recipes.

• Basic math and reading skills.

• Ability to understand and follow SOPs and production instructions.

• Good communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to recognize changes in batter consistency and product quality.

• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills preferred.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements.

• Ability to lift and move ingredients and production materials within company-established limits.

• Ability to work around moving machinery, conveyors, pumps, and other processing equipment.

• Ability to work in wet, cold, or humid processing environments.

• Ability to wear required PPE for the duration of the shift.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a commercial food-processing facility. The employee may be exposed to wet floors, water, food ingredients, flour/starch dust, cleaning chemicals, noise, moving equipment, and temperature-controlled processing areas.

The employee must follow all company safety, food safety, sanitation, and PPE requirements.

Performance Expectations

The Batter Operator is expected to consistently produce properly coated sweet potato fries by maintaining the batter system within established operating specifications. The operator should minimize batter and product waste, maintain accurate records, communicate problems promptly, and contribute to safe, efficient, and continuous production.