Job Overview:

This position is responsible for the operation and sanitation ofthe Processing Department. This position must monitor specific areas of the Conversion Department- assess process needs- and take appropriate steps to address the needs while focusing on safety- quality- cost- and delivery. The Processing Utility must demonstrate leadership ability- communication skills- the ability to multi-task- and a strong working knowledge of plant production process policies. This employee must be flexible and able to work extended hours to provide plant coverage whenever necessary.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Understands the manufacturing processes and interactions between the different processing functions and recognizes optimization potentials.
• Supports the Team Leader- Supervisor- and Business Unit Manager in all decisions.
• Initiates corrective actions as appropriate and informs Team Leader/Supervisor of any deviation/variation from production plan- quality- safety- and cost goals.
• Ensures the rules of safety- product quality- hygiene (GMP- HACCP- and ISO) are followed.
• Ensures that all production data is entered and correctly followed up in relation to individual processing functions.
• Ensures the safety of all employees working in or around the area.
• Participates in start-up and hand-off meetings at the start and end of shift
• Responsible for updating and maintaining calibrations for the Food Scan- Process Scan- FT120- and all other NIR equipment.
• Conducts and documents quality checks such as cook sheets- recording charts- temperature charts- and other process documentation.
• Responsible for completing and documenting period work for the Processing Department.
• Communicates with the Control Room Operator position regarding all aspects of the cream cheese process.
• Ensures compliance to all plant rules and policies.
• Support Plant Quality Systems.
• Actively participates in the continuous improvement process:
• Participates in CI work groups within the processing area as well as across the plant.
• Reports any technical issues related to equipment and automation.
• Continuously strives for improvements in regards to safety- quality- cost and delivery.
• Includes other departments (maintenance- engineering- quality) for problem solving and improvements.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Work according to safety requirements as identified in the Employee Handbook- plant safety programs- and job-specific detailed process sheets.
• The ability to calculate and make decisions with respect to White Rinse capabilities- white rinse usage rates- white rinse quality- and salt and gum addition rates.
• Ability to communicate with all links of the white rinse process. (i.e. Separator Operators- Mix Operators- Sanitation Operators- Maintenance Department- etc.).
• Takes ownership of the management of salvage inventories- the white rinse and flavors flush systems.
• Washing and sanitizing equipment and equipment parts to ensure "safe" and excellent "quality" product (Lines- White Rinse Tanks- Flavors Flush Tanks- Whey Load Out Lines- Pumps- Air Valves- MSD Separator and intake silos).
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Supervisor or Team Leader.
• Responsible to follow FSQ requirements such as GMP's and other daily/job specific duties to support QRMP.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED Required.
• Ability to speak- read and write in English.
• Ability to work with little or no direct supervisor at all times.
• Ability to work in a cooler environment.
• Ability to acquire and maintain Fork Truck License.
• Ability to understand and enter data into SAP accurately.
• Ability to interface with all customers in an effective manner keeping customer focus in mind.
• Perform all duties safely and efficiently.
• Ability to effectively work with co-workers.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of cream cheese technology and manufacturing processes.
• Solid understanding of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing processes.
• Good understanding of manufacturing cost aspects.

Must demonstrate the following leadership competencies:

• Drive for results
• Functional/Technical Expertise
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Taking Initiative
• Customer Service
• Required to perform job duties efficiently and safely.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and utilize plant-approved safe lifting practices for over 50 pounds.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be adaptable to change.
• Must have demonstrated decision-making skills.
• Minimum of two (2) years in a manufacturing environment- preferably in the cheese/dairy industry.
• Internal candidates must have demonstrated exceptional attendance history as well as performance history.
• Processing Utilities must attend and be current on Confined Space Training on an annual basis.
• Must be able to work extended hours on all shifts- including weekends and holidays.

TekWissen provides a unique portfolio of innovative capabilities that seamlessly combines clients insights, strategy, design, software engineering and systems integration. Our tightly integrated offerings are tailored to each client's requirements and span the services spectrum from Application Development/Maintenance, testing, IT Consulting & staffing for IT Infrastructure Management through strategic consulting and industry oriented Business Process. Our end-to-end Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) solutions support complex, high-value, knowledge-based work. Combining applications, platforms, infrastructure, knowledge processes, and domain expertise allows us to deliver greater efficiencies and innovative business capabilities.