Aseptic Mixer I - Night Shift

SunOpta Overview

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN®, Dream®, and West Life™. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary

The Aseptic Mixer I will be required to:

• Mix a variety of Non-Dairy based liquid products through written batch records via Oracle and verbal instructions.
• Ensure the quality and efficiency standards are being met through reduced scrap loss and yield improvements.
• Follow written and verbal procedures to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met.
• Assume responsibility for the filling area efficiencies, safety, quality following all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself.
• Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position at the site.
• Fill in for vacations and or cover if other employees are absent.
  
  

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Coordinates, Sets-up, CIPs, Swab tests, monitors, and runs their mixing area following batch records for a variety of Non-Dairy based products.
• Maximizes the quality of products produced and the efficiency of the department.
• Begins to assist with routine maintenance on all the mixing equipment; this includes but not limited to: valves, replacing "o" rings, homogenizer packings and oil, and gaskets, plus document correctly when filling out maintenance work orders.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Be able to start-up and shut down all the equipment as it relates to the mixing area.
• Understanding of the flow process for all mix areas.
• Identify all critical control points with the understanding of their function as it relates to the mixing area.
• Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA.
• Work with Management team to monitor the operational efficiencies, yields, scrap loss and other key indicators to actively seek ways to improve plant productivity.
• Understand terminology of the mixing equipment.
• Communicate with warehouse, process operator and supervisor on any delays or problems in the mix area that would hinder the flow of product.
• Monitor the mixing operation ensuring ingredients are correct through the staging and mixing process of the product.
• Receiving of tankers.
• Perform a variety of quality checks to assure standards are met.
• Direct the transfer of batched product to the storage vessels.
• Take samples for the quality department.
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.
• All other duties, as assigned.
  
  

Key Accountabilities

Safety

• Adheres to all plant safety rules
• Reports all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor and or HR representative
• Serves an active role the plant safety programs, by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Management
  
  

Quality

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
• Follows SOP’s and SSOP’s (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when making processing adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality liquid-based products.
• Responsible for compliance with GMP’s, HACCP and SQF programs
• Identifies all critical control points (CCP) understanding their functions it relates to the process.
• Accurately prepares and maintains processing area documentation. Writing legibly and completely filling out all documents. Operators name must be signed on each document used.
  
  

Maintenance

• When Maintenance is occurring in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the Maintenance Technicians in any capacity needed to expedite the repair process.
• When equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs.
  
  

Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping.
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors
  
  

Communication

• As a member of the Production team, ensures effective shift communication and teamwork with other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.
• When utilizing the Handheld radios employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communicating.
  
  

Teamwork And Training

• Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
• Works well among co-workers as a team.
• Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.
  
  

Personal Development

• Continuously improve your knowledge of the Aseptic Filling process.
• Become familiar with SunOpta 360.
• Completes and adheres to the Annual Alchemy Schedule.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic computer and math skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-based environment.
• Ability to set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift a minimum 30-50 pounds frequently, push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads.
• Must be able to go up and down stairways in a timely manner repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Must be able to maintain a good attendance record.
• Must have accurate and detailed record keeping and legible handwriting.
• Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues.
• Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination.
• Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management.
• Ability to access a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production.
• Must have good personal hygiene.
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills- learn to perform and be involved with routine maintenance.
• Must be able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision.
• Must be able to inventory raw ingredients.
  
  

Additional Considerations

• Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant in Modesto, CA.
• Shift: 12-hour nights (6 pm to 6:30 am) on a 2-2-3 pattern. Some flexibility may be needed.
• Pay Rate: Position starts at $28.00/hour.
• Shift Differential for nights ($2/hour).
• Work Environment: This role will be in a plant / manufacturing environment.
  
  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED