MASTER OPERATOR TRAINER

Universal Ingredients

Innovative Plant-Based Solutions for Global Industries

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.

Job Description For: MASTER OPERATOR

Division/Department: Juice Production

Location: Grandview, WA

Job Title: Master Operator

Reports To: Production Manager

• Salary/Wage- Refer to Job Classification Wage Detail
• Type of Position: Full-Time
• Hours: 40+/week: Hourly
• Competitive benefit package
• Annual wage review based on individual performance.
• Company sponsored bonus package dependent upon individual & company performance.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Master Operator will be required to have full knowledge of all processing equipment in a safe and efficient manner. This position will require versatility on how to operate multiple pieces of equipment and be able to effectively cross train others on how to operate the machinery in a safe and efficient manner. The master operator will be required to provide support to the leadership with ongoing or new developments with standard operating procedures, process flow, and equipment needs. The master operator will produce food products meeting all federal, state and customer requirements, regulations, and specifications. Follows established company policies and procedures. As a master operator you will be subjective to back fill for call-ins, vacations, or other absences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to train new staff, cross train existing staff, and follow safety protocols
• Maintain a professional and positive attitude with the team and at all levels.
• Ability to follow written and verbal standard operating procedures, good manufacturing practices, safety protocols and supervisor direction.
• Ability to understand equipment capacity and throughputs capabilities and ensuring proper operation.
• Through understanding of process requirements, product specific flows, and critical control points.
• As a master operator you must display self-awareness and training requirements needed as well as identify timelines for completion.
• Ability to identify operator abilities, efficiency, and skill set requirements within their roles.
• Ability to communicate clearly with all departments including leadership.
• Must maintain a thorough understanding of all documentation, records, and forms required to be completed by operators and ensure they are accurately, completely, and timely completed.
• Strong knowledge of sanitation, CIP and COP procedures and required chemical safety PPE.
• Responsible for ensuring all operators consistently follow and adhere to established safety procedures and regulatory requirements, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Entry, and Fall Protection/Fall Arrest programs. Actively monitors compliance, reinforces safe work practices, and addresses safety concerns to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Consistently follows and supports company policies, procedures, and operational standards while serving as a role model for employees.
• Required to lead by example by consistently demonstrating strong housekeeping and organizational practices, ensuring work areas, equipment, tools, and materials remain clean, organized, and properly maintained throughout the shift.
• Have extensive knowledge in DAX with processing AID live consumption requirements and the ability to support all operators.
• Ability to identify constraints, production delays and or issues and report them in a timely manner to leadership personnel before critical failures occur.

WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in the ingredient, beverage or food processing industry
• Experience with operating multiple pieces of food processing equipment
• Good reading, writing and verbal skills
• Strong teamwork skills, computer skills, and communication
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Forklift operating skills
• Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to daily operational needs
• Must be available to work rotating 12-hour shifts including day to night rotation.
• Must be able to support shift coverage as needed.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma and/or equivalent or higher.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing.