Operator - Production

Job Title: Operator

Department: Supply Chain

Reports to: Supervisor

The ideal candidate will possess and live by Mercer Foods core values.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY INTEGRITY PERSONAL GROWTH AND WELLNESS TEAMWORK WORK - LIFE BALANCE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The Operator will operate, perform maintenance, and adjust automated and semi-automated food packaging equipment including: operating, cleaning, adjusting and maintaining processing/packaging machinery as needed to meet safety requirements, product standards and production goals. This role is responsible in assisting with the development of effective preventative maintenance tasks and routines. This person will be able to diagnose problems, replace or repair parts, and test and make adjustments as needed. The Operator requires an understanding of mechanical and electronic controls, and how they interact in a multistep process. They will detect faulty operations, defective material and escalate these and other unusual equipment performance issues accordingly. The ability and importance of following all safety and GMP guidelines is required. This position will require a technical candidate with strong communication skills, that works closely with Production, Quality Control, Maintenance and Engineering to meet product specifications, as defined, and production goals. This position is required to track data and report it to Supervisor in a timely and efficient manner. They will also be responsible for changeovers and sanitation when necessary for effective performance of equipment.

COMPETENCIES:

Living Mercer Values Demonstrates the characteristics and behaviors of an individual who is living Mercer's values. Mercer's values are accountability, continuous improvement, integrity, personal growth and wellness, teamwork, and work-life balance.

Attendance Attendance is essential in demonstrating dependability. A reliable team member is on time for all scheduled shifts and is present as scheduled. Any team member with two or more active steps of discipline for attendance does not meet expectations of position.

Performance Demonstrates the skills and abilities to perform his or her job. Any team member with two or more active steps of discipline for any combination of disciplinary actions does not meet expectations of position.

Safety Good judgement is demonstrated at all times to maintain a safe work environment. Any team member with two or more active steps of discipline for safety related incidents does not meet expectations of position.

Training Current training is an indication of job preparedness from a safety, job skills, and food safety perspective. An employee that has completed all training expectations throughout the year as it pertains to his or her job requirements demonstrates that he or she meets the expectations of his or her position. A person that has past due trainings does not meet the expectations of his or her position.

SKILLS:

Accuracy Ensure vendor invoices are three way matched with correct purchase orders and receiving documents. When there is no purchase order, ensure the correct general ledger account coding is used, and proper approvals are obtained.

Attention to Detail Completes tasks efficiently and accurately while paying close attention to detail.

Basic Machine Operations Must be familiar with the basic machine functions and operations.

Communication Escalation Escalates issues to manager or other management as needed.

Compliance Ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations, and corporate policies/processes.

Continuous Improvement Design, roadmap and continuous process/control improvement plans, leading implementation of both, including application/system change management for increased efficiency and effectiveness of processes or data.

Critical Thinking Forms good judgement when evaluating situations and reacting accordingly.

Diagnose Diagnose problems, replace or repair parts, test and make adjustments.

Equipment Manual Comprehension Read and interpret equipment manuals and work orders to perform required maintenance, service, or operation.

Hand Tools Use a variety of hand and power tools in performing duties.

Leadership Demonstrates leadership by leading by example.

Priorities Identifying and aligning priorities with business vision, mission, and values while achieving objectives.

Proactive Problem Solving Acts in a proactive manner to communicate and solve problems.

Production Line Actively participate in or monitor the production line to forestall potential bottlenecks, pile-ups, jams, or other issues being incorrect.

Proper Operation of Equipment Proper operation of equipment to safety and productivity requirements.

Quality Standards Must be able to understand quality standards, methods and reporting as required.

Repairs Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs to equipment and performs scheduled maintenance as needed.

Safe Work Habits Proper use of safety devices, such as lock-out, and maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.

Troubleshoot Detect faulty operations, defective material and report those and any unusual situations to proper supervision.

REQUIREMENTS: Requires a high school diploma/GED and completion of a craft apprenticeship, or an equivalent number of years of education and production maintenance experience. Experience of at least 2 years in a manufacturing environment with a strong mechanical and/or industrial skills. An AA degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance is a plus. The ability to read, write, mathematically compute, and operate a computer using basic functions is required. Must be familiar with HMI touch screen controls. Requires the ability to maintain motivation and to work independently.

FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

• Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Mercer Food's food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Hold self and others accountable to Mercer Foods food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates.
• In the absence of Lead or Supervisor, serves as back up to ensure all food safety, quality objectives and SQF system requirements are met.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and some fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires the following percentages of time committed to physical activity: 20% or more sitting, 70% or more walking, and 70% or more standing. The job is performed under frequent temperature variations and in a food manufacturing production environment. Unrestricted visual and audio abilities are required for the safety of all employees. The ability to lift to 50 lbs. is required.