Machine Operator I - Baking

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world’s leading food companies.

As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally.

Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside’s exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture.

Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day

We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.

JOB SUMMARY :

The Baker is responsible for ensuring that the product coming out of the oven is properly baked and meets set specifications.

Inform mixing supervisor of any product not meeting specification. Keeping work area clean and organized.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Check production schedule for products being run on assigned oven(s).
• Set up the oven for the item being produced per prescribed procedures.
• Obtain the correct product color sample.
• Make raw dough weight adjustments as needed.
• Assist the machine operator at start-up and / or product changeovers.
• Record product check information on required forms at prescribed times.
• Read rulers, scales, and temperature control units.
• Perform oven adjustments as needed to produce a quality product.
• Help maintain working condition of oven; ignition wires, cleaning burners, etc.
• Inspect oven band seam and overall condition of oven band or mesh on a daily basis.
• Monitor the product coming out of the oven and report any problems to the mixing supervisor.
• Communicate instructions / problems to other shift operators.
• Perform quality tests to ensure that the product is within its specification.
• Relieve other bakers for breaks.
• Shut down ovens if not needed for the next shift.
• Help set up and dismantle icing toppers and / or glaze units, oilers and seasoners; maintains condition of toppers.
• Set up and maintain fig cutter equipment adjusts cutter speed when needed.
• Clean equipment as instructed; sweeps, mops, scrapes floor in work area.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Principles (GMP's) at all times.
• Verbally communicate instructions, problems, etc. to co-workers, supervisors and employees from all departments.
• Meet company attendance standards of start and end time for work as scheduled.
• Comply with all safety, health and environmental regulations as prescribed by law and company policies.
• Comply with company rules, regulations and policies.
• Follow department procedures for power outage and / or oven fires.
• May perform other functions as assigned.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Reaching with hands / arms throughout shift.
• Ability to use hands and fingers.
• Ability to see, hear and talk.
• Lift / carry up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to work in light to moderate noise levels; hearing protection may be required.
• Able to walk up to 400 yards to work areas.
• Communicate in English to give and acknowledge instructions and problems.
• Physical and mental ability to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Able to stand eight hours per shift.
• Repetitive reaching over head, under and across throughout shift.
• Push / pull items up to 2600 lbs. with assistance.
• May crawl under equipment to reach work area.
• Perform general housekeeping, including sweeping, mopping, etc.
• May climb steps to and from work and break areas.
• Good hand / eye coordination and manual dexterity for repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment in close proximity to others.
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in various units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Ability to work in variable temperatures and weather conditions.
• Repetitive bending, stooping and twisting throughout shift.
• Ability to work in wet, humid areas.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to solve practical problems with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram and schedule form.
• Ability to work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines as necessary.
• May work near moving mechanical parts and may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles and vibration.
• May be required to work in high precarious places and / or in outside weather conditions.
• Receptive to new ideas, concepts and procedures.
• Receptive and responsive to constructive criticism.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS :

• Maintain harmonious working relations with employees from all departments.
• Maintain harmonious working relations with management from all levels.
• Communicate effectively with all employees and management.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS :

• Prefer high school graduate or G.E.D.
• Good eye / hand coordination and manual dexterity.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and at times independently.
• Ability to measure and read scales and thermometers; understands units of measurement.
• Ability to read and follow detailed instructions.
• Knowledge of all mixing department positions.
• Ability to recognize problems and take immediate action.
• Prefer at least one year of mixing experience, but not required.

Hearthside is an