Production Operator III

Flowers Foods•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

The Production Operator III contributes to a team-oriented production process by operating automated production equipment, diagnosing machinery problems, assisting with preventative maintenance, and sanitizing related equipment. The role may be trained and assigned to operate multiple types of production equipment. Operators are responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring machinery according to established standards and safety procedures, keeping materials flowing efficiently, maintaining product quality, making equipment adjustments, removing defective product, and completing documentation and system entries accurately and on time. The position requires competency in activities that may affect product safety, legality, and quality, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, and the ability to use Enterprise software for data entry, retrieval, and reporting. The operator is also responsible for maintaining a safe and clean work environment and complying with company policies, work rules, safety rules, and GMPs. This is a physical role involving routine bending and lifting, ladder climbing, crawling under or climbing onto machinery, and moving carts, containers, and equipment. Flowers Foods describes its culture as valuing honesty and integrity, respect and inclusion, sustainability, passion, and humility.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, plus successful completion of a technical certification course, such as HVAC or automotive maintenance/repair.
Equivalent military training, other related technical training, or completion of at least 45 college credit hours may substitute for technical training.
Ability to use Enterprise software for data entry, data retrieval, reporting, and other instructed functions.
Ability to routinely stoop and bend while lifting 20 to 80 pounds.
Ability to routinely lift 40 pounds of wrap or packaging materials between specified heights, including from 12 inches to 3 feet and from 6 feet down to 3 feet.
Ability to routinely lift 50 pounds.
Ability to climb fixed and portable ladders 10 to 20 feet high, sometimes carrying up to 20 pounds of dough, and reach out two feet to place dough into a hopper.
Ability to climb onto and crawl under machinery as required.
Ability to push or pull wheeled carts weighing 500 pounds for 300 feet.
Ability, with assistance, to move a wheeled container weighing up to 2,400 pounds for 50 feet.
Ability to move equipment and icing troughs for 25 feet.
Ability to push a wheeled cart requiring 18 pounds of force to start and 10 pounds to keep moving.
Ability to move a wheeled module requiring 25 pounds of force to start and 8 pounds to keep moving, including pushing it up and down a slight incline.
Demonstrated competency in on-the-job activities that may affect product safety, legality, or quality.
Ability to work as a member of a highly functioning team.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of related experience.
Completion of the AIB “Science of Baking” course.

Responsibilities

Follow the production work schedule for job assignments and reporting times.
Maintain a clean work area while on duty.
Operate facility metal detectors when assigned, after completing required training and certification.
Comply with work rules, safety rules, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Follow company policies and procedures, including those related to equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, safety, and Sarbanes-Oxley.
Perform other duties assigned by management, including meeting work schedules and attendance requirements.
Set up equipment according to established procedures, specifications, and safety guidelines.
Ensure continuous and efficient flow of materials through assigned equipment.
Verify product quality throughout operation.
Adjust equipment as needed to maintain proper performance, measurements, and production speeds.
Remove defective product and ensure only compliant product continues through the process.
Maintain clean and organized work areas and follow sanitation requirements.
Complete required documentation and Enterprise system entries accurately and on time.
Operate automated production equipment, diagnose machinery failures, and assist with preventative maintenance.
Contribute to a safe work environment for self and fellow technicians.