Machine Operator - Pre-whip, Liquid, Palletizer

Purpose Statement

The Machine Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining production equipment across Pre-Whip, Liquid, and Palletizer operations to ensure consistent product quality, efficiency, and food safety compliance. This role supports production flow by performing equipment setup, changeovers, process adjustments, quality checks, and basic troubleshooting in alignment with TPM, GMP, and Rich Products’ manufacturing standards.

This is a hands-on, multi-skilled role designed to support cross-coverage, flexibility, and operational excellence across the production floor.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

• Set up, operate, monitor, and perform changeovers on Pre-Whip, Liquid, and Palletizer equipment as trained.
• Ensure equipment is production-ready for on-time start-ups and sustained operation.
• Make process adjustments to maintain product flow, weights, mix integrity, and packaging quality.
• Perform basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime and escalate issues appropriately.
• Operate date coders and verify code accuracy and legibility on finished product and cases.
• Perform routine process control and quality checks to prevent out-of-spec product.
• Complete equipment inspections, mix sheets, palletizing records, and production documentation accurately and on time.
• Comply with GMP, food safety, quality, and plant policies at all times.
• Assist Quality Assurance with sampling, inspections, and audits as needed.
• Make sound quality decisions within defined parameters and escalate concerns when required.
• Follow all OSHA and facility safety requirements, including proper use of PPE.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with GMP and safety standards.
• Clean and sanitize equipment using approved sanitation practices.
• Make every reasonable effort to prevent downtime and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with tank cleaning, ingredient handling, and chemical handling as trained.
• Support other production areas as a light machine operator or general laborer when qualified.
• Communicate equipment issues, quality concerns, and material shortages to supervisors or maintenance.
• Participate in safety, GMP, TPM, and continuous improvement activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and ownership on the production floor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food processing.

Technical Knowledge

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages).
• Strong understanding of basic food safety and associate safety practices.
• Knowledge of computer systems and ability to operate batching programs.
• Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity for operating mixers and handling ingredients.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to adapt in fast-paced environments and make quality decisions under pressure.
• Desire to operate as part of a self-directed work team and contribute to improvement initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, climb, reach, stoop, bend, grasp, and move throughout the facility daily.
• Work in high-noise areas with required PPE (hearing/vision protection, Hairnets, Uniforms, etc.).
• Must be able to lift, push/pull mixing bowls up to 55 lbs.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and bakery ingredients.
• Able to work in multi-shift environments and handle potentially hazardous equipment or materials.