Dry Production Blender Operator

ILLES Foods Job Description

Job Title: Dry Production Blender Operator

Reports To: Dry Production Supervisor

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Hours: 6 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

About Us:   
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development.  As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external.

Job Summary: 
The Dry Production Blender Operator operates assigned production equipment to produce finished goods safely, efficiently, and in accordance with process, quality, and schedule requirements. They will perform production activities and operate production equipment in accordance with BRC requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), as well as all Illes SOP’s, Quality standards and time sequences. The partner conducts themselves in a manner that is aligned with Illes Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.

Primary Purpose: 
Learn blending operations, support production activities, and perform assigned tasks under direction while developing proficiency on production equipment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 
Some responsibilities listed below may require continued training, hands-on experience, and demonstrated proficiency before being performed independently. Higher-level tasks or expanded duties will require additional task-specific training, demonstrated ability, and supervisor approval.

- Verify raw materials, containers, and labels against batch sheets and report discrepancies.

- Add ingredients in the correct sequence according to batch instructions.

- Operate designated small blenders and support equipment after training.

- Demonstrates flexibility and cross-functional proficiency by supporting production activities across departments, facilities, product lines, and equipment platforms, performing work consistent with their skills, qualifications, and level as business needs require.

- Perform basic equipment assembly, disassembly, and setup tasks, when trained and as business needs require, to support production flow and reduce delays related to equipment readiness.

- Monitor production processes and notify leadership of equipment or quality concerns.

- Inspect materials and finished products for quality and packaging compliance.

- Stack, label, and move finished goods.

- Operate powered industrial equipment when trained and authorized.

- Accurately document production activities in RiteTime and ROSS after training.

- Check screens and magnets after product transfer and document findings.

- Clean and sanitize equipment following GMP, food safety, and safety requirements.

- Maintain clean and organized work areas.

- Follow all safety, quality, food safety, GMP, and company policies.

- Maintain consistent attendance and workplace professionalism.

Required Key Skills and Qualifications:

- Time Management & Reliability: Meets production schedules; maintains consistent attendance

- Safety & Compliance: Follows GMP, BRC, and safety procedures; maintains clean work areas

- Communication (Verbal/Written): Communicates issues clearly with supervisors and team

- Customer Service (Active Listening): Listens to instructions and feedback; follows batch directions accurately

- Inventory Management: Verifies materials, labels, and batch components accurately

- Flexibility & Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and cross-functional proficiency by supporting production activities across departments, facilities, product lines, and equipment platforms, performing work consistent with their skills, qualifications, and level as business needs require.

- Digital Literacy: Accurately documents production data in ROSS and RiteTime

- Problem-Solving (Critical Thinking): Identifies and resolves basic equipment or process issues

- Team Coordination: Works collaboratively; aligns actions with production flow

- Conflict Resolution: Addresses minor issues professionally; escalates when needed

Experience, Education & Certifications: 
Product blending is preferred. Food industry experience. High School or equivalent, or the ability to obtain same within specified time.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

- Lifting: Ability to continuously lift weights ranging from up to 50 lbs. vertically from various heights.

- Carrying: Ability to carry up to 55 lbs. horizontally over distances up to 15 feet.

- Push-Pull: Ability to horizontally transfer force up to 100 lbs. using a sled.

- Climbing: Ascending and descending steps and ladders continuously up to 12 inches and with ladders up to 16 rungs.

- Standing: Ability to stand continuously.

- Temperatures: Varies from 55 to 110 degrees

What We Offer: 
We are a core-value driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!

Disclaimer: 
The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated at any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (M/F/D/V)