Blending Machine Operator

Shank's, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank's quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide.

Universal Ingredients

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions - including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems - for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer: Shank's Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

The Blending Machine Operator is responsible for operating and tending machines to mix or blend materials and maintaining equipment as well as preparing materials for usage, storage, or shipment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Makes independent adjustments to machines to maintain the greatest operational efficiency including properly reattaching parts as needed, properly setting speed, and adjusting other settings.
• Weighs or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
• Reads work orders to determine production specifications or information.
• Observes production or monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Mixes or blends ingredients by starting machines and mixing for specified times.
• Dumps or pours specified amounts of materials into machinery or equipment.
• Operates or tends machines to mix or blend any of a wide variety of materials.
• Stops mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixtures.
• Able to adhere to the production schedule in an accurate and timely manner.
• Participates in the creation of SOPs, Standard settings, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensures finished products meet quality specifications by accurately conducting quality checks and sampling to ensure product specifications by completing checks on lines.
• Manually records data through recording and makes necessary process adjustments based on data findings.
• Cleans all equipment and facilities as required.
• Identifies potential problems and corrects the defect or notify the appropriate resources.
• Stops, reset, or troubleshoot machines when malfunctions occur clear machine jams, and report defects to the appropriate resource.
• Prepares, stages, and sets raw materials/packing materials by utilizing power industrial equipment.
• Fills the blender with the quantities shown on the bill of material.
• Properly fills bag liners with proper weights Heat Seal bags and Seal cases with tape.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED:

• Microsoft Office Excel, Word, and Outlook experience
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to operate powered industrial equipment.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well with a diverse group of staff, co-workers, and all those involved with the production process.
• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, organized, and use good judgment.
• Must be able to multitask and adapt to change.
• Able to identify areas of improvement in complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to work across depts based on business needs
• Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
• English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years of experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment food manufacturing preferred
• Understanding of production procedures preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree is a plus.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture

Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.

Quality: Shank's is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity: Shank's and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture: Shank's respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement

ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation

ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs

• Competitive compensation and benefits package*

Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients - Shank's is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.