Blender Operator - 1st Shift

Nlx-Beverage-Solutions; New Lenox (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Finlays Solutions in New Lenox, IL is hiring a Blender Operator to blend products per work orders following GMPs and safety rules. The role requires accurate, safe, and efficient operation of blending equipment to meet production goals.

Responsibilities include following SOPs, maintaining logs, supporting quality testing, and keeping the work center organized. Benefits include health plan, PTO, and retirement options, with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Comprehend basic math: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, weights and measures.
• Knowledge of basic computer and control systems.
• Possess mechanical aptitude with ability to assemble, troubleshoot and repair manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to communicate both written and orally within the organization.
• Basic knowledge of food processing and food safety.
• Team oriented and collaborative work style.
• Time management and adaptability to changing demands.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong work ethic and problem solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Learn and follow SOPs and GMPs.
• Operate blending equipment per WO and SOPs.
• Process Work Orders per daily production schedule.
• Create production batch samples for QA testing.
• Clean and sanitize equipment and processing areas.
• Perform basic weight/mass calculations per WO.
• Understand part numbers, lot numbers, and product descriptions.
• Assist with minor repairs on equipment.
• Maintain logs and paperwork accurately.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and follow PPE rules.
• Support Lean Manufacturing to improve efficiency.
• Attend to safety and quality policies and report unsafe acts.

Skills

English literacy

Basic math

Computer literacy

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Food safety basics

Teamwork

Time management

Instruction following

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: NEW LENOX, IL 60451 Salary Range: $22.00 - $22.00 Hourly Job Shift: 1st Shift

About Us

Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs.

Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long‑term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company’s dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Job Summary

The Blender Operator is responsible for the blending of products according to the individual work order specifications following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) and safety procedures. Individuals must maintain a safe and pleasant manner while ensuring the department meets its goal of blending as many work orders per day as possible, with maximum safety, quality and accuracy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn, practice, and adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) established for Manufacturing


• Learn, practice, and adhere to all Safety and Quality policies and procedures


• Learn, practice, and adhere to Blending Department Policies and Procedures.


• Learn, practice, and adhere to all processing, change over, clean-up, and sanitation procedures related to equipment and machines in the department, per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


• Safe, effective, efficient set-up and operation of all blending equipment to meet the Work Order (WO) instructions per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and safety instructions


• Process Work Orders efficiently and accurately per instructions and the daily production schedule


• Create production batch samples of completed blends to facilitate Quality Assurance testing requirements


• Clean and sanitize machines, tables, processing rooms, and utensils per the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


• Perform basic mathematical calculations to determine weights and measures per the Work Order (WO) and yield loss percentage after the final blending process is complete


• Understand all part numbers, lot numbers, and product descriptions as they relate to the Work Order (WO)


• Assist with minor repair and maintenance of machines


• Demonstrate good judgment by reacting to unsafe acts or conditions by making them safe or immediately reporting them to those who can correct them


• Learn and practice Lean Manufacturing to improve efficiency and eliminate waste


• Update and maintain all required logs and paperwork within the department (i.e.: equipment use, cleaning logs, Work Order (WO), etc.) legibly and accurately


• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment to ensure employee safety, product integrity and efficiency


• Perform assigned tasks while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as required


• Must maintain confidentiality at all times and have regular and reliable attendance


• Work in other areas as needed and perform other duties as assigned

The hourly range for this role is $22 hourly.

Within this range, individual pay is determined by the work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The total compensation package for this position also includes a choice of health care plan (medical, vision, and dental insurance), a quarterly incentive bonus, paid time off, parental leave, bereavement leave and a 401(K) for all eligible employees.

QualificationsEducation and Skills

• Read, write, speak, and comprehend English


• Comprehend basic math: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, weights and measures, and efficient use of a calculator


• Knowledge and understanding of basic computer and control systems


• Possess mechanical aptitude with the ability to assemble, troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on manufacturing equipment


• Ability to communicate both written and orally within the organization


• Basic knowledge of food processing and food safety


• Ability to give positive suggestions to improve operations in the work center


• Team Oriented - being helpful, respectful, approachable, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment, is responsible, honest, loyal, interacts with others tactfully, resolving conflicts appropriately, and adapting to change


• Ability to manage time efficiently and work well under changing demands


• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions


• Must have good work ethics, be highly motivated, and be a hands‑on problem solver


• Ability to detect, recognize, and judge discrepancies


• Requires accuracy, reliability, and attention to quality


• Successfully completes and attains passing score of the entry level test


• High school diploma or GED, and/or 2 years work experience preferably in a manufacturing environment

Physical Demands

• Vision, hearing, and speaking to meet performance standards


• Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods, push, pull, lift, climb, bend, stoop, squat, and use manual dexterity to work with the following: production equipment, scales, pallet jacks, drum dollies, mops, brooms, portable stairs, hoses, forklifts, etc.


• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis daily and move heavier weights using proper equipment or team lifting techniques

Work Environment

• Requires ability to work in an environment that may contain odors, dust, moderate level noise, and temperature and ventilation variations while wearing any appropriate safety and/or protective clean room apparel as required (e.g.: safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, hair net, uniform, face shield, as required)

*This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.