SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

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:

Aseptic Mixer is responsible for mixing 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. 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.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

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

Quality:

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
• Follows SOP's (standard operating procedures) and SSOP's (Sanitation standard operating procedures) to make adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality aseptic products
• Responsible for compliance with the GMP's, HACCP and SQF program
• Identifies all critical control points understanding their functions as it relates to the mixing and processing area
• Accurately prepares and maintains mix area documentation. Writing legibly and completely filling out all documents. Operators name must be signed on each document used.

Maintenance:

• When maintenance is occurring on or in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the maintenance technicians with anything they may need to expedite the 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 endeavor

Communications

• As a member of the Production team, ensures the effective shift communication and teamwork with the 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 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 mixing areas.
• Become familiar with SunOpta 360
• Completes and adheres to the annual alchemy schedule

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Must be able to stand (12) hours for long periods of time and lift a minimum 30-50 pounds frequently and 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
• Must have basic math skills
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills- learn to perform and be involved with routine maintenance
• Work (12) hours as required as well as any overtime that may be scheduled when additional coverage is needed.
• Works with minimal amount of supervision
• Must be able to evaluate a situation and make a good decision
• Must be able to inventory raw ingredients

.

Education/ Experience:

High school diploma, or equivalent required. Entry level, willing to train.

Knowledge and Skills:

Candidate must possess the knowledge and understanding of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages, and percentages. Must be able to read and write in English.

Travel Requirements:

None

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics/physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to wet and / or humid conditions (non-weather); moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

A 24/7 36/48-hour work week will be considered normal. Extra hours, off hours, and extra workdays may be required to accommodate new projects, product development, and other special situations.

The employee must occasionally sit, lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, grasp, type; reach with hands and arms; lean, crouch, stoop, kneel, or crawl; climb up and down ladders or stairs. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee is required to climb and operate a multi-story machine several times per hour. Frequently talk or listen. Frequently work near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally work in high places, occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

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. 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

The Employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Employer does not discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant's consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

• Alex Minnesota St Facility, 3915 Minnesota Street, Alexandria, Minnesota, United States of America