Machine Operator

Description

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.

Position Summary 

Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining assigned machinery and equipment to ensure smooth production processes and meet organization goals. This role requires a high level of technical aptitude, attention to detail, commitment to quality, and the ability to monitor equipment, complete required checks, troubleshoot routine issues, optimize efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements. This role may require the operator to coordinate tasks and ensure that the team is effectively meeting production expectations. 

What You’ll Do – Position Responsibilities 

• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment. Comply with all federal, state and company policies, procedures, and regulations related to occupational safety. Be a leader and expert on safety requirements and ensure the team is following rules and regulations. 

• Quality Control: Monitor and maintain quality standards by conducting regular checks and inspections during the production process. Take corrective actions when necessary to ensure products meet specifications and comply with regulatory requirements. 

• Equipment Operation: Operate assigned machinery and equipment according to established procedures and guidelines. This may include production machines, manufacturing tools, assembly lines, packaging machines, palletizing equipment, roasters, pasteurization equipment, or computer-controlled systems. 

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Perform routine checks, cleaning, inspection, and first-level troubleshooting of equipment to ensure proper functionality and prevent breakdowns. Identify equipment malfunctions, alarms, abnormal process conditions, or quality concerns promptly and efficiently. Coordinate with maintenance staff as required. 

• Production Efficiency: Optimize equipment by adjusting approved settings, monitoring production rates, controlling downtime, and identifying opportunities for process improvements. Minimize downtime by anticipating maintenance needs, coordinating staffing coverage, and communicating issues quickly. 

• Training Expertise: Demonstrated ability to train or coach Production Associates, Material Handlers, and other team members on area-specific expectations when trained and assigned. 

• Leadership: Demonstrate leadership qualities to support safe execution, motivate production team members, and achieve high performance. 

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of production activities, equipment performance, CCP/PPC checks, operator logs, timing observations, and any incidents or deviations. Complete production reports, logs, and other required documentation as per standard operating procedures. 

• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with team members, supervisors, quality, maintenance, sanitation, material handlers, and other departments to ensure smooth workflow and effective communication. Share knowledge, insights, and best practices to support continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Cleanliness and Organization: Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring that materials and equipment are properly stored, and waste is disposed appropriately. Ensure the team is working in a clean and neat manner as well. 

• Material Handling Support: Receive, inspect, verify, stage, or transport materials using appropriate equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks, only when trained/certified and assigned. 

• Area-Specific Standard Work: Follow the applicable long-form SOP and badge SOP for the assigned machine/area, including startup checks, normal operation, required check frequency, if/then response guide, documentation, downtime work, and takt/cycle time observation log. 

• Perform other duties as assigned and work in other areas as needed. 

Experience You’ll Bring – Role Requirements:  

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or vocational training is a plus. 

• Experience as a Production Operator, Machine Operator, or similar role in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred. 

• Strong technical and mechanical aptitude, with the ability to operate and troubleshoot various types of equipment. 

• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures related to equipment operation and maintenance. 

• Knowledge of cleaning techniques, sanitation practices, and the use of cleaning chemicals and equipment. 

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately. 

• Good problem-solving ability and the ability to make decisions quickly in a fast-paced environment. 

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and convey information clearly. 

• Physical stamina to perform manual labor, including lifting heavy objects up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working in various environmental conditions

• Compliance with health and hygiene standards, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. 

• Ability to operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks, with appropriate certifications is preferred and may be required based on specific area assigned in the plant. 

• Flexibility to work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays if required. 

• This role is performed on site at a facility that regularly processes peanuts & tree nuts. Employees in this position will routinely work in areas where peanuts & tree nuts and related allergens are present and may be exposed by contact or in the air. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the role.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. A Rewarding Career Awaits!    

The pay for this role is $21.00/hr - $25.00/hr and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.

Comprehensive and Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future. 

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family. 

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees. 

Additional Perks That Make a Difference:   

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure. 
• Paid Sick Leave –   Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi. 
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments. 
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program. 
• Career Growth and Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities. 

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com 

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.