Kitchen Operator - 1st & 2nd Shift

The Kitchen Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating kitchen processing equipment. This role operates batch mixers, batch kettles, and other kitchen equipment while maximizing equipment uptime and minimizing scrap, rework, and production interruptions. The Kitchen Operator is responsible for maintaining established food safety and quality standards, performing routine sanitation, and supporting efficient daily production operations.

NEW PRODUCTION LINE!!!

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively operate batch mixers, batch kettles, and other kitchen processing equipment.
• Maximize equipment uptime while minimizing scrap, rework, and production interruptions.
• Accurately weigh and prepare dry ingredients according to established production requirements.
• Shovel product, fill and transport buckets, and move ingredients and materials throughout the kitchen as needed.
• Perform routine product spot checks to ensure compliance with approved quality standards.
• Follow established Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and BRC food safety requirements.
• Perform approved sanitation procedures on kitchen processing equipment.
• Complete routine cleaning and general maintenance of assigned equipment and work areas.
• Follow established equipment safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), personal protective equipment (PPE), and machine guarding requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in accordance with plant safety and sanitation standards.
• Communicate equipment concerns, production issues, and idle time to team leaders and management.
• Follow designated foot traffic patterns and all applicable plant safety procedures.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, including attendance, break schedules, safety regulations, and workplace conduct.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Good command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Basic mathematical aptitude, including the ability to accurately weigh ingredients.
• Working knowledge of key manufacturing safety practices, including LOTO, PPE, and machine guarding.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen processing equipment and follow established production and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in close proximity to other employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand for up to eight hours per day.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to regularly bend, stoop, twist, turn, and use ladders and stairs.
• Ability to work Saturdays and/or Sundays as required by production needs.
• Ability to comply with all plant safety requirements, including wearing non-slip footwear and required hearing and eye protection.

We're excited to announce that TruFood Manufacturing and Bar Bakers have united as Tandem Foods! This milestone marks the evolution of two trusted names in better-for-you snacks into an industry-leading partnership. Our new brand identity, symbolized by the tandem bicycle, represents our commitment to collaboration and shared success with our valued customers.

With eight manufacturing facilities nationwide and expanded capabilities in bars, chocolate molding, cookies, wafers, and granola, we're better positioned than ever to serve the growing better-for-you snack market.

"Powered by Collaboration" isn't just our tagline—it's our promise to continue delivering exceptional results through innovation, trust, and partnership.