Position Summary:
The Mixer Apprentice is a hands-on member of the mixing room team who works under the leadership of the Mixing Room Lead and in close partnership with the Backup Room Lead. The apprentice supports the accurate preparation, weighing, staging, verification, and mixing of ingredients while learning approved recipes, equipment operation, food safety requirements, and production documentation. This role follows established work instructions, promptly escalates abnormalities, and develops the knowledge and demonstrated skills required to become a fully qualified mixer.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Mixing Operations & Quality Assurance.
- Ensure proper recipe execution, ingredient verification, and batch integrity.
- Conduct in-process quality checks and address any non-conformances.
- Partner with Quality Control to resolve issues and implement corrective actions.
- Staff Coordination and Scheduling
- Assign personnel to mix and support functions based on production needs.
- Adjust team coverage as required to maintain workflow.
- Communicate expectations, updates, and assignments clearly to team members.
- Productivity and Efficiency Monitoring
- Track daily mixing targets, yields, and performance metrics.
- Identify and address bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
- Collaborate with team members to optimize productivity and reduce downtime.
- Equipment and Maintenance Coordination.
- Ensure equipment is operating according to standard.
- Escalate equipment downtime in a timely manner.
- Ensure proper setup and shutdown of mixing equipment.
- Sanitation and Safety Oversight
- Practice and ensure the team follows sanitation standards, cleaning schedules, and hygiene practices.
- Support routine pre-op and post-op sanitation checks.
- Conduct or participate in shift handoff in room handoff.
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Verify the accuracy and completion of batch records, pre-op checklists, and sanitation logs.
- Ensure daily production downtime report is completed and submitted to the Line Controller.
- Maintain clear, organized records in compliance with food safety requirements.
- Leadership Support and Backup Coverage
- Serve as the first point of contact for escalated issues from Mixer Apprentice.
- Provide operational coverage for Line Leads and the Production Supervisor as needed.
- Lead by example, promote teamwork, and reinforce company values on the floor.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Train new team members and cross-train other production roles for operational flexibility.
- Assist with special projects not related to production and other duties as assigned by management.
- Assist warehouse and pre-production-related tasks as needed.
- Participate in safety and quality meetings and training sessions.
- Support implementation of continuous improvement projects and LEAN initiatives.
- Support implementation of new processes, procedures, or product runs.
Required Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a production, food manufacturing, preferably in batching and mixing role.
- Knowledge of food safety and HACCP requirements.
- Basic math skills including ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers and decimals.
- Strong communication skills, including ability to read and follow written instructions and complete simple written forms.
- Ability to lift up to 55 lbs. repeatedly.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced, team environment.
- Demonstrated reliability and punctuality.
Tools and Technology:
- Industrial food grade mixers, kettles, fillers, labelers and packaging equipment.
- Scales (digital and mechanical).
- Sanitation and cleaning equipment.
- Manual and powered pallets jacks.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience with industrial food mixers or batching systems.
- Knowledge of HACCP, USDA, and FDA food safety regulations.
- Forklift certification or experience operating pallet jacks or forklifts.
- Familiarity with allergen handling, temperature monitoring, and sanitation validation.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 65 lbs. frequently.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch throughout the shift.
- The ability to work in hot or cold environments depends on the production room.
- Manual dexterity is required to operate hand tools, controls, and equipment.
- Visual acuity for reading labels, checking quality, and working safely with machinery.
- Must be able to wear appropriate PPE including gloves, masks, and hair/beard nets as required.
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
