Job Title: Machine Operator
Department: Operations
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Site: US Waffle - Hazelwood
FLSA Status: Full Time; Non-Exempt
Updated: August 5, 2025

SUMMARY
Cérélia's newly established Frozen Breakfast Business Unit is driving an ambitious growth strategy, backed by two manufacturing facilities: US Waffle in Liberty, SC, and in Hazelwood, MO. To effectively support the rapid scaling of operations at our state-of-the-art Hazelwood facility, Cérélia is seeking a dynamic and skilled Machine Operator to join our team in Hazelwood, MO.

The Machine Operator is responsible for performing diversified duties to set up and operate equipment that stages, prepares, mixes and packages items used in the manufacturing of baking products.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review production schedule and coordinate with planner and/or previous shift regarding scheduling, identifying potential difficulties in timing as required in order to meet production schedule.
• Set up, operate, and mix dough, tending equipment, and following procedures for time and speed for specific mixtures.
• Prepare minor ingredients, labeling containers based on type of dough and batch type.
• Record production and all paperwork as required.
• Continually monitor room temp and dough schedule during the shift and adjust as required.
• Prepare and layout ingredients according to formulation.
• Select and measure or weigh ingredients for minors according to formulation.
• Set up, operate, and tend mixing equipment to produce the highest level of product quality.
• Mix or blend ingredients, according to formulation.
• Record production data for dough batch, such as the ingredients used, lot #, temperature, and time cycle.
• Monitor equipment to detect possible malfunctions or undesirable results to management.
• Maintain process specifications and quality standards.
• Maintain regular communication with management as necessary.

• Maintain close communication with machine operators to deliver specific instructions regarding dough temperature and proofer time.
• Maintain clear communication with management on any production problems as necessary.
• Complete required cleaning verification reports.

• Perform tasks associated with general sanitation – to include scrub, scrape, and wash equipment.
• Keep plant trash removed on a timely basis.
• Follow Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs)
• Perform assignments in accordance with established GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) policies and procedures.
• Sweep, mop, clean, and sanitize floors.
• Participate in ongoing training.
• Demonstrate good verbal communication skills.
• Familiar with SQF, HACCP, and GMP practices which help ensure food safety within the workplace and the production of a safe and quality product.
• Follow work instructions and OSHA safety rules, including the use of PP and other safety equipment in an industrial environment.

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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The following list that follows is representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

• General understanding of manufacturing processes and related equipment.
• Ability to work overtime as needed with little or no notice.
• Basic computer skills
• Working knowledge of production machines, particularly mixers.
• Significant knowledge of dough properties and processing.
• Attention to detail, accuracy and attaining specific standards are a must.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment as pace is determined by production schedule.
• Able to work in a team environment and direct other workers.
• Able to document/record Information — entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written and/or electronic form.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or its equivalent is preferred.
• Complete working knowledge of food manufacturing processes is preferred.
• Knowledge of dough properties in the production of bread products.
• Basic math skills
• Over 1 year and up to 3 years of job training

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Properly follow quality standards, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and detailed operating manuals.
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to read, comprehend, and convey information in Basic English. Bilingual preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works in a manufacturing setting, with some outdoor exposure during the workday. The employee is exposed to airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud.

• Exposure to flour, oil, heat, cold and normal production chemicals, and hazards.
• Hair nets, ear plugs/muffs, gloves, boots, aprons and/or safety glasses/goggles may be required.
• Ability to frequently handle material from floor-to-waist, waist-to-shoulder, shoulder-to-overhead and pushing/pulling/carrying.
• Ability to constantly stand/walk; bend/flex/extend/twist neck and back; frequently grip/reach/lift/pull with L/R hands.
• Ability to tolerate humid, wet working environments with temperatures up to 100 degrees F.