Cereal Production Operator

General Mills Operations, LLC.; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Overtime pay

Vacation time

Company holidays

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Career growth

Apprenticeship program

Job summary

General Mills Operations, LLC in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Cereal Production Operator to join a 24/7 manufacturing team, supporting bottlenecks, changeovers and line readiness. Starting pay is $23.85 per hour with 2nd and 3rd shift premiums, 8-hour rotating shifts and opportunities for raises to $26.50 after 36 months, plus additional shift differentials.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork and continuous improvement, with overtime, vacation and holidays, 401(k) matching and growth through

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least 2 years of mechanical/technical experience in manufacturing or related field.
• Machine startup, changeover, and shut down experience; able to operate with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist operators during bottlenecks or downtime.
• Troubleshoot problems with machinery and coordinate with maintenance.
• Participate in startup, changeover, and shutdown of operating equipment.
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Support production tasks such as bagging, stacking, counting, paper feeding, oiling, and related line operations.

Skills

Mechanical experience

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Cereal Production Operator

Starting Pay: $23.85/hour Shift differential pay (2nd & 3rd shifts) 8-hour rotating shifts | Steady 3rd shift

Why Join Our Team

The Buffalo plant produces Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Nut Chex, Corn Chex, and Gold Medal Flour. Located on Buffalo’s waterfront, it offers easy access to Canada and major cities like Toronto and New York City, and supports career growth through seniority-based bidding and apprenticeship programs. The plant also builds community through events like a summer barbecue, a family picnic at a local amusement park, and a holiday dinner for all three shifts served by leadership. Employees take pride in the plant’s strong family ties, and notable history includes its former name, Cheeri-Oats, grain transport by boat, and a fire the day before it opened in 1940.

What We Have to Offer

• $23.85 per hour for 36 months of employment (90% of full rate of pay)
• $26.50 per hour after 36 months of employment (100% of full rate of pay)
• Potential to move up as seniority/qualifications allows to $30-35+
• Shift Differential Additional $.34 per hour for hours worked on 2nd shift
• Additional $.41 per hour for hours worked on 3rd shift
• Overtime pay Time worked after 8 hours of work is paid at 1.5 times regular rate of pay Time worked on Saturday is paid at 1.5 times regular rate of pay Time worked on Sunday is paid at 2 times (double pay) regular rate of pay
• Up to 120 hours (15 days) vacation annually (depending on schedule)
• 11 paid company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, life insurance
• Career growth and cross-training opportunities

Your Work Schedule and Shift Information

• 8-hour swing shift schedule rotation every week 1st shift: 6:30 am to 2:30 pm
• 2nd shift: 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm
• Rotation is 1 week on 1st shift, then 1 week on 2nd shift
• 8-hour steady nights only schedule 3rd shift: 10:30 pm to 6:30 am
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, any shift, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as needed
• Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• As part of our manufacturing team, you will: Assist operators during bottlenecks or downtime
• Troubleshoot problems with machinery and partner with maintenance staff to resolve issues
• Participate in startup, changeover, and shut down of operating equipment
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance
• Assist in training new employees
• Support production tasks such as bagging, stacking, counting, paper feeding, oiling, and related line operations
• Assist other plant areas as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 2 years of mechanical/technical experience in manufacturing or related field
• Machine startup, changeover, and shut down , machine maintenance experience
• Ability to work 8-hour swing shifts and/or steady 3rd shift
• Must be willing to work any shift, including weekends/holidays as even once assigned a shift, you may get moved around depending on openings/seniority.
• Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods
• Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions
• Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
• Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards
• Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)
• Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 2 years of manufacturing or production experience

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career: New possibilities. Bold thinking. Real heart. Build remarkable brands with remarkable people. At General Mills, we make food the world loves. Across 100+ markets, we come together to create, innovate and grow. Here, you’ll do meaningful work and help to lead the future of food at a company that stands for good. Watch with captions in other languages here.