Blending Operator

Title of Role: Blending Operator

Reports to: Blending Supervisor

FLSA Designation: Hourly/Non-exempt (Eligible for Overtime)

Supervision Received/Exercised: No direct supervision exercised

East West Tea is seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Blending Operator to join our Tea Blending / Production team on Third shift for a Sunday (10pm) - Friday (6:30am). Blending Operators have sharp attention to detail and strong focus to safeguard formulations with strict GMP’s and food safety guidelines, making sure all tea blends are expertly crafted to specification.

Role Summary

Blender Operators follow specific recipes and processes to source, verify, weigh and mix raw herbs, botanicals and organic flavors to be manufactured or packaged in compliance with CFR 111, dietary supplement regulations. A Machine Operator functions within a team-style work environment to accurately follow procedures and complete documentation that begins the production process.

Role Responsibilities:

Essential functions of the role, but are not limited to the following:

Blending/Mixing Product 60% of time

• Safely weighs and transfers materials during the batch preparation process.

• Accurately records consumption of all materials and verifies the records of others.

Product Selection/Warehouse Processes 20% of time

• Delivers products to the Blending area using a forklift or pallet jack.

• Selects materials based on item number per batch ticket or recipe.

Quality Processes 20% of time

• Cleans and sanitizes all equipment and tools as required between batches.

• Ensures documentation filled out thoroughly.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Following instructions precisely.

• Safe forklift operation in tight spaces.

• Sanitation of blending equipment.

• Use of computers and software.

• Work effectively with coworkers towards a common goal.

• Issue and receive instructions within guidelines.

• Accurately complete work tasks in their assigned order.

• Flexibility to work other shift/hours as needed. Overtime may be required.

Other duties as assigned by Leads and Supervisors.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Following instructions precisely.

• Safe forklift operation in tight spaces.

• Sanitation of blending equipment.

• Use of computers and software.

• Work effectively with coworkers towards a common goal.

• Issue and receive instructions within guidelines.

• Accurately complete work tasks in their assigned order.

• Flexibility to work other shift/hours as needed. Overtime may be required.

• Understand and retain instructions and knowledge.

• Basic math and mechanical reasoning, problem solving, and issue resolution.

• Attention to detail while accurately completing work tasks.

• Focus on safety, quality, GMP’s, and company procedures.

• Work effectively with coworkers toward a common goal, in a constructive and positive manner, and respect coworkers in actions and communication.

Talent:

Motivation & Work Style:

• Solid work ethic, self-starter, and result oriented.

• High level for attention to detail.

Relationship & Collaboration:

• Ability to develop relationships within a team environment.

• Communicate effectively both written and verbally.

• Work effectively with coworkers toward a common goal, in a constructive and positive manner, and respect coworkers in actions and communication.

Thought Process:

• Ability to verify the process and elevate items for review to perspective departments.

Work Environment:

• Continuous production environment exposure which includes noise, dust, moving machinery, forklifts, and fluctuations in temperature.

Physical Requirements:

• Drive or operate stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks.

• Standing and walking on a cement surface for the entire shift.

• Must be able to lift 60 pounds on a frequent basis.

• Stand, walk, and climb stairs on a frequent basis.

PPE Requirements: Respirator; safety glasses and hearing protection

Minimum Requirements:

• Forklift experience preferred but not required.

• Basic math.

• Legible writing skills.

• Able to read batch tickets and labels.

Employer Statement:

East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each persons’ individuality and unique talents. It is the strength of our people and our guiding principle that have contributed to East West Tea’s leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.