Liquid Production Batcher Operator

ILLES Foods Job Description

Job Title: Liquid Production Batcher Operator

Reports To: Liquid Production Supervisor

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Hours: 10 a.m. - 9 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 Liquid Production Batcher Operator is responsible for accurately preparing and processing batches through the safe and efficient operation of tanks, kettles, and related production systems. This role requires proficiency in operating equipment such as the Ambient Tank batches and kettle batching to ensure consistent product quality and efficient production flow. This role supports daily production schedules through proper equipment setup, pre-rinsing equipment after usage, performing sanitation/CIP of equipment when demanded, operation, monitoring, and changeovers while maintaining compliance with BRC requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), company SOPs, and all safety and quality procedures. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, reliability, and a commitment to ILLES Foods’ core values of integrity, curiosity, and partnership. Specialized equipment qualification, like heat-exchanger operation, may provide opportunities for additional compensation, preferred assignments, or future advancement. Operators will not be prevented from progressing solely because they have not completed heat exchanger training due to business needs. This position requires a strong commitment to operational excellence, teamwork, and upholding ILLES Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of Partnership.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

- Batch raw materials accurately according to batch sheets and production instructions.

- Operate blending, packaging, and industrial equipment safely and efficiently.

- Monitor production processes and equipment via HMI to ensure quality and compliance.

- Inspect materials, containers, and finished products to meet quality and packaging standards.

- Perform routine equipment cleaning and maintenance in line with safety protocols.

- Accurately document production data using RiteTime and batch sheets.

- Coordinate with QA for sample collection and testing requirements.

- Support first-time production runs in collaboration with R&D.

- Train and mentor new team members in batching procedures.

- Maintain professional communication and uphold food safety, legality, and quality standards.

- 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.

- Maintain regular and reliable attendance for scheduled shifts.

Required Key Skills and Qualifications :

- Time management & reliability: Maintains consistent and reliable attendance; completes batch and production tasks efficiently to meet schedules.

- Safety & compliance: Adheres to BRC, GMP, company SOPs, and safety protocols; ensures food safety, quality, and equipment sanitation at all times.

- Communication (verbal/written): Communicates clearly with team members, QA, and management; provides guidance and training to new hires.

- Customer service (active listening): Actively listens to instructions from supervisors, R&D, and QA; ensures production meets quality and client standards.

- Inventory management: Accurately measures and batches raw materials; monitors containers, packaging, and finished goods for compliance.

- Flexibility/adaptability: Adjusts to changes in production schedules, first-time batches, and equipment or process variations; supports multiple systems.

- Digital literacy: Uses RiteTime, batch sheets, and HMI systems to document production data accurately.

- Problem-solving (critical thinking): Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions or process issues; implements corrective actions to maintain smooth production.

- Team coordination: Collaborates effectively across departments; trains and mentors new hires; coordinates with QA and R&D for first-time runs.

- Conflict resolution: Addresses minor operational issues constructively; ensures smooth workflow and team alignment during production.

Experience & Education: 
2-4 years of Product blending experience preferred. Food industry experience required. High School diploma or equivalent, or ability to obtain within specified time. Forklift certification preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

- Lifting: Ability to continuously lift weights ranging from up to 55 lbs. vertically from various heights.

- Carrying: Ability to carry up to 55 lbs. horizontally over distances up to 70 in.

- Temperatures: Varies from 55 to 110 degrees

- Push-Pull: Ability to horizontally transfer force up to 100 lbs. using a sled up to distances of 45

- Climbing: Ascending and descending steps and ladders continuously up to 8 inches

- Standing: Ability to stand continuously.

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)