1st Shift Master Mixer - SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE $2,500

Urban Farmer; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Farmer is looking for a Master Mixer, responsible for preparing all dough batches accurately. This lead role oversees the mixing process, ensuring quality control, safety compliance, and team efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses over 3 years of bakery manufacturing experience, with expertise in operating industrial mixers and troubleshooting.

Joining Urban Farmer offers a collaborative environment where leaders guide their teams effectively to achieve production goals.

Qualifications

• 3+ years bakery manufacturing experience, especially with dough mixing or processing.
• Experience operating industrial mixers (e.g., spiral mixers, horizontal mixers).
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all dough batches according to formulas and production schedules.
• Monitor mix times, dough temperatures, and overall batch quality.
• Conduct in-process quality checks and make minor formula adjustments.

Skills

Bakery manufacturing experience

Dough mixing or processing

Operating industrial mixers

Leadership or team lead experience

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Job description

Job Summary

The Master Mixer (Lead Mixer Operator) is responsible for accurately and efficiently preparing all dough batches according to established formulas, recipes, and production schedules. This position serves as the lead role within the mixing department and oversees the full mixing process, from weighing and scaling ingredients to monitoring mix times, dough temperatures, and overall batch quality. The Master Mixer works closely with Mixing Operators and Production leadership to ensure consistent dough quality, proper documentation, and timely delivery of batches to the production line.

Schedule

This position may require up to six (6) days of work per week based on business needs and operational demands.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ingredient Verification & Scaling

• Review daily production schedule and recipe sheets to determine batch requirements and sequence.
• Accurately weigh, measure, and stage all dry and liquid ingredients using scales, measuring tools, and automated dosing systems.
• Verify ingredient quality, lot numbers, expiration dates, and allergen status before use.
• Ensure ingredients match the formula and are pulled in correct order (FIFO).
• Communicate any missing, damaged, or incorrect ingredients to Production Supervisor or QA.

Mixing Operations

• Load ingredients into mixers according to proper sequence outlined in the formula (e.g., dry blend → water → oil → inclusions).
• Operate industrial mixers, water meters, hydraulic lifts, and auxiliary equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor and control mixing times, speeds, and stages to ensure dough development meets quality standards.
• Check dough temperature, hydration, elasticity, and consistency; adjust water/ice as needed.
• Inspect dough texture for gluten formation, dough strength, and proper mix endpoint.
• Troubleshoot mixing issues such as under‑mixing, over‑mixing, improper hydration, or ingredient clumping.
• Coordinate with mixers to promptly discharge batches into dough troughs or hoppers.

Dough Quality Control

• Conduct in‑process quality checks: dough temperature, batch weight, and visual evaluation.
• Compare every batch to established quality specifications and SOP guidelines.
• Identify common dough defects such as dryness, stickiness, tunneling, or low elasticity.
• Make minor formula adjustments within approved limits when necessary (e.g., adding water/ice for temperature control).
• Immediately escalate any out‑of‑spec results or concerns to QA or Production management.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Act as lead for the mixing department by assigning tasks to Mixing Operators and maintaining batch flow.
• Guide less experienced mixers during batch setup, ingredient scaling, and machine operation.
• Communicate expected batch times, delays, or equipment issues to downstream production teams.
• Ensure the mixing team follows proper cleaning, safety, and GMP procedures.

Paperwork, Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Complete batch sheets for each mix, documenting ingredient weights, dough temperatures, mix times, and lot codes.
• Accurately record deviations, adjustments, and corrective actions taken.
• Maintain proper documentation for ingredient traceability.
• Report batch yields, scrap, and overages to supervisors for inventory reconciliation.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Inspect mixers, hydraulic lifts, water meters, and controls before each shift for safe and proper operation.
• Ensure mixing equipment is properly lubricated, sanitized, and free of ingredient buildup.
• Report equipment malfunctions immediately and assist maintenance by describing observed issues.
• Assist with end‑of‑shift cleaning of mixers, hoppers, tools, scales, and surrounding areas.

Sanitation, Food Safety & GMP Compliance

• Follow all GMPs, including handwashing, glove use, allergen controls, and hair/beard net requirements.
• Prevent cross‑contamination by keeping allergen and non‑allergen ingredients separated.
• Keep the mixing area clean, organized, and free of spills, debris, or safety hazards.
• Follow proper chemical handling and sanitation procedures for cleaning tools and equipment.
• Immediately report any potential food safety concerns, foreign material risks, or contamination events.

Safety & OSHA Compliance

• Follow all safety rules, including safe lifting techniques, equipment guarding, LOTO, and proper PPE use.
• Maintain awareness of pinch points, moving parts, and high‑noise areas.
• Ensure surfaces are dry and free from slip hazards, especially around water and dough.
• Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and hazard identification programs.

Production Flow & Efficiency

• Maintain a consistent pace of batch preparation to keep production lines supplied with dough.
• Adjust batch sequencing based on line speed, dough proofing requirements, or urgent production needs.
• Reduce downtime by preparing ingredients ahead of schedule and staying aware of upcoming batches.
• Support line changeovers by cleaning and preparing equipment, resetting scales, and staging ingredients.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform all tasks as directed by management to support production goals.
• Actively participate in meetings and provide insights on operational improvements.

Qualification Requirements

• 3+ years bakery manufacturing experience, especially with dough mixing or processing.
• Previous experience as a Mixer Operator, Dough Maker, or Lead in a bakery environment.
• Experience operating industrial mixers (e.g., spiral mixers, horizontal mixers, planetary mixers).
• Experience working with allergen controls and specialty doughs (gluten‑free, dairy‑free, high‑moisture mixes, etc.).
• Ability to troubleshoot batch inconsistencies and make minor formula adjustments within approved limits.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and food safety regulations.
• Leadership or team lead experience, especially in coordinating mixing workflow and training team members.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus for training and communication.

Physical Demands

• Compliance with safety requirements, including PPE such as safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.
• Capability to work in variable temperatures and handle physical tasks like lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Standing or walking for extended periods and maneuvering around equipment.

Work Environment

This position works in a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms. The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery. Some tasks may require additional safety measures to ensure the safe completion of the task.