Kettle Room Associate - Cook

IPM Foods • Janesville, WI

4h

About The Position

The Cook prepares and cooks soup products in the kettle room according to Naturpak® approved recipes, quality standards, and food safety requirements. The role requires precision, attention to detail, and coordination with Quality Control, kettle assistants, and the R2 operator to ensure batches are produced accurately, safely, and on schedule. The Cook reports to the Production Supervisor.

Work takes place in a food manufacturing production environment in the kettle room. The Cook is regularly exposed to heat, steam, hot liquids, moving machinery, and varying temperatures throughout the shift. Strict adherence to GMP, food safety, sanitation, allergen control, and workplace safety requirements is mandatory.

Requirements

• Prior experience in food manufacturing, commercial cooking, or kettle operation is required.
• Ability to read and accurately follow recipes, batch records, and written or verbal instructions.
• Basic mathematical ability to verify weights, temperatures, and ingredient quantities against recipe specifications.
• Experience operating kettle systems and associated production equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and respond to out-of-spec conditions during the cook process.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with Quality Control, kettle assistants, and the R2 operator.
• Knowledge of GMP, food safety, and allergen control principles.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality; flexibility to work overtime as production needs require.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift on the production floor.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, and handle ingredient bags, totes, and containers weighing up to 50 lbs or more.
• Ability to work in areas with heat, steam, and hot liquids from kettle operations.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach as required by equipment setup, ingredient handling, and cook process tasks.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing, for the duration of the shift.

Responsibilities

• Cook soup products in the kettle according to approved recipes, from setup through final batch weight.
• Review recipes and coordinate with Quality Control and the controller before each cook.
• Direct kettle assistants during prebatching and ingredient preparation.
• Monitor temperature, time, and agitation throughout the cooking process.
• Collect product samples and transfer finished batches to the R2 machine.
• Complete production documentation and keep the kettle room clean and food safe.
• Follow food safety, allergen handling, and safety procedures, including required PPE.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed