Mixer-Opener 2pm-11pm in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Butterball Farms, Inc.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is a world-class food manufacturer on a mission to Enrich Lives and has been recognized as a West Michigan and National Best and Brightest Company to work for. With over 60 years in the industry Butterball Farms, Inc. works hard to enrich the lives of our customers, employees, and communities. We imagine butter differently, have a highly recognizable client list and are known by our customers for our innovation, reliability, responsiveness, and our value-add approach to business. Our amazing culture is recognized globally. We are financially sound, rapidly growing, and poised for continued success.

Are you a self-starter looking for a challenge? Do you have any prior mixing experience? If so, this might be the opportunity you are looking for! Butterball Farms, Inc. is currently hiring a Mixer who will be responsible for the proper ingredient setup and mixing of all ingredients for the production run.

Summary:

The Mixer/Opener Hybrid is responsible for supporting daily production needs by preparing raw materials and producing high-quality food products through opening and mixing operations. This role ensures raw butter is opened, properly labeled and staged, and available for production while also accurately weighing, blending, and processing ingredients according to approved formulas. The Mixer/Opener Hybrid safely operates production equipment, follows FIFO practices, and maintains product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency while following all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation requirements, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Opener Responsibilities

• Communicate with supervision to determine daily raw butter needs and production requirements.
• Inspect the tempering room and assess available opened product from previous production days.
• Determine inventory needs and prepare raw materials for production based on schedule requirements.
• Open 50–55 lb. blocks of raw butter by removing packaging and preparing product for use.
• Inspect butter blocks for foreign material and product quality concerns.
• Follow FIFO procedures when selecting and staging raw materials.
• Restack opened butter blocks onto pallets and move product to designated tempering room locations or production areas as needed.
• Transport opened product to grinders and other production areas using approved material handling equipment.
• Safely operate electric pallet jacks, hand jacks, and powered industrial equipment as trained.
• Maintain organized tempering room space to support incoming product deliveries.
• Communicate with dock personnel regarding incoming raw materials.
• Dispose of packaging materials by stacking corrugate, operating the baler, and maintaining the compactor area.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the tempering room throughout the shift.
• Complete required logs and documentation accurately.

Mixer Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operational inspections and safely start up mixing equipment using HMI controls.
• Verify recipes, batch cards, ingredient lot codes, expiration dates, and required documentation before production.
• Accurately weigh, scan, and prepare ingredients according to approved formulas.
• Safely operate kettles, grinders, whippers, Thermolators, and other assigned mixing equipment.
• Monitor and adjust product consistency, temperature, whip percentage, and batch quality throughout production.
• Inspect batches to ensure quality standards are met and report any process deviations.
• Complete required production records, Redzone checks, and inventory transactions using Sage and other systems.
• Perform basic equipment troubleshooting and communicate maintenance, safety, or quality concerns to supervision.
• Support production by ensuring materials and ingredients are available to maintain line efficiency.

General Responsibilities

• Follow all Butterball® Farms Inc. safety policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe work environment.
• Follow all GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and quality requirements.
• Properly use required PPE and follow all safety procedures.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and teamwork in daily interactions.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Cross-train and support other production areas as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

We Offer:

• Great room for growth & advancement
• A culture that celebrates innovation, continuous improvement, personal development, and diversity
• 2nd/3rd Shift Premiums
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• 401K Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Access to The Source
• Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive Benefits plan- Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, STD, Critical Illness, Flex Spending, Dependent Care, Accident Insurance

You can apply and learn more about us at www.butterballfarms.com.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous food manufacturing or production experience preferred.
• Previous FIFO experience preferred.
• Previous forklift/hi-lo experience or ability to become licensed required.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, batch cards, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Ability to accurately complete production records and documentation.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to use iPads, Redzone, Sage ERP, and other required production systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to rotate to other production functions as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift, push, and pull up to 55 pounds.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment safely.
• Ability to work in cold production environments with temperatures ranging from approximately -10 – 65 degrees.

Work Environment

This position works in a food manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and food safety are top priorities. Employees may work in freezers, refrigerated areas, tempering rooms, and around production equipment, noise, moving machinery, and approved cleaning chemicals.

Employees are expected to follow all PPE requirements, sanitation procedures, and safety practices to support a safe and productive workplace.

Success Factors

Successful Mixer/Opener Hybrid at Butterball® Farms Inc.:
• Prioritize safety and food quality in every task.
• Follow FIFO practices, recipes, procedures, and documentation requirements with accuracy.
• Take ownership of responsibilities and follow through on commitments.
• Maintain organization and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapt quickly to changing production needs.
• Demonstrate teamwork and support coworkers.
• Communicate openly and honestly to support effective teamwork.
• Look for opportunities to improve processes and contribute to continuous improvement.