Production Operator

## Description

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.

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## **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.

## Qualifications

**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.