Kitchen Operator (NIGHTS)

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmavite is hiring for a gummy production role in a fast-paced facility. You will operate gummy kitchen equipment, monitor specs, and ensure product quality aligns with established recipes and safety standards.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to read batch records, and fluency in English. You will contribute to sanitation, safety, and continuous process improvements within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in gummy/candy/confectionery manufacturing preferred.
• Fluent English for reading instructions and records.

Responsibilities

• Operate gummy kitchen/dosing equipment and HMI controls to produce gummies meeting quality standards.
• Perform harvest of raw materials according to recipes and batch records.
• Conduct hourly quality checks on colors, flavors, weight, appearance, pH, BRIX, and temperatures.
• Maintain sanitation and safety standards per HACCP and SOPs.
• Perform equipment changeovers and routine maintenance as needed.
• Input data into computer systems and maintain accurate logs.

Skills

Gummy manufacturing

HMI controls

Quality checks

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

HELP US BRING THE GIFT OF HEALTH TO LIFE. Working at Pharmavite is an experience like no other. With a focus on complete nutrition for all, each endeavor is urgent and every day counts. You'll have the opportunity to work on the #1 selling national vitamin and supplement brand, Nature Made, as well as an exciting portfolio of other products that are shaping the future of the healthy living industry. Consumer-driven innovation, high quality products and a promising portfolio, all driven by a team with a shared sense of purpose - that's Pharmavite. Join us to bring the gift of health to life.

This role is not available for any form of immigration sponsorship or support, including completion of the Form I-983 training plan required for STEM OPT.

Position Summary: Responsible for complete operation of gummy kitchen/dosing equipment and HMI controls to ensure smooth, efficient manufacturing of gummies that meet specific quality standards. Responsible for making batches of gummy vitamins per formulation and ensuring that the product meets quality and food safety guidelines.

• Ensures raw materials are correct and transferred to kitchen machinery in accordance with specific recipes, batch records, and operating procedures.
• Possesses knowledge of the sanitation and safety requirements for food processing, handling, and storage in the manufacturing of gummy products.
• Responsible for CIP operation throughout all equipment used in the process to manufacture Gummy products.
• Possesses knowledge of the methods and procedures for receiving, handling, storing, and inventorying raw materials for processing in the manufacturing of gummies.
• Operates equipment control panels/touch screen systems (HMI) to ensure efficient equipment operation, and makes real-time corrections to the process as required.
• Includes the cooking process, monitoring all process equipment across multiple skids of equipment.
• Visually inspects products and performs critical process control checks throughout the operation of the kitchen.
• Assists in developing efficient methods and procedures for producing products utilizing the equipment and personnel available to meet established timelines.
• Uses hand tools to adjust equipment controls and operating parts as appropriate to product.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment, electric hand trucks, little joe walkie pallet lifts, hoist, and other equipment as needed.
• Checks production schedule to determine variety and quantity of products to process.
• Troubleshoots any equipment/process problems and resolves as quickly as possible.
• Performs changeovers from one product or batch to another; disassembles equipment and cleans according to procedures; reassembles and makes ready for next batch; works with tooling/set-ups as needed.
• Understands the interface between the gummy kitchen operation and the mogul operation.
• Support mogul operation as needed.
• Conducts hourly quality checks on colors, flavors, weight, appearance, pH, BRIX, and temperatures.
• Maintains Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point standards of sanitation and safety, food preparation, storage, kitchen equipment, and physical Gummy plant.
• Lifts containers of in-process, raw, finished, or waste products and transports within department as necessary.
• Maintains required logs, reports, and other records accurately and completely.
• Uses a computer to enter data.
• Performs all duties in compliance with safety rules, standard operating procedures, and good manufacturing practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.

Experience

Working knowledge of the gummy manufacturing process, typically resulting from a minimum of one year of experience in related jobs (e.g., gummy, candy, or confectionery manufacturing) is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Fluent English skills to read/understand written instructions and other information; to maintain routine written records, and to communicate problems effectively to supervisors. Accurate arithmetic skills (addition, subtraction, division) to calculate weights, fills, etc. Manual dexterity to manipulate controls, disassemble/assemble equipment using a variety of hand tools. Physical ability to stand/walk for much of the work shift, and push/pull/lift large containers weighing up to 50 pounds. Mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot and fix equipment malfunctions, read/understand gauges/controls/touch screen logic. Physical ability to discern varieties of color, weights, flavor, and general appearance of gummy product.

Physical Requirements

Stand/walk for most of the work shift. Perform repetitive job duties that require constant attention to the manufacturing process. Periodically push/pull containers weighing up to 500 pounds and lift containers up to 50 pounds. Adjusts to distractions and interruptions and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

Environment

Constant exposure to noise levels loud enough to require employees to wear hearing protection. Warm temperature levels, fumes, vibration, etc., sufficient to cause minor discomfort, oily/wet conditions. Employees to wear protective eyewear, hair nets, uniforms, steel-toed shoes, and gloves.

Safety

The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

Our Offer

Here, career paths aren't predefined, and bureaucratic limitations don't exist - you have the opportunity to grow, learn from industry pioneers, and develop the way you want to. Pharmavite is investing more in the development of our team - to help us deliver on our purpose and help you achieve your career aspirations. Our environment is geared to fuel curiosity, encourage experimentation, and generate learning as this is the way we develop ourselves and our organization.

Pharmavite is committed to meeting the needs of our employees and their families with a Total Rewards package that's as comprehensive as the vitamins and supplements we deliver to consumers. With competitive compensation programs and standout benefits, we provide employees with optimal health and well-being - as well as peace of mind. These rewards - plus our new recognition program - ensure employees feel supported both at work and home.

The salary range for this position is $39,000.00 - $63,000.00.

Actual compensation will take into account a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic location, education, experience, qualifications, and job-related skills. It is not typical for an individual to be hired above the midpoint of the range for their role, and compensation decisions depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with state and local laws.

Base pay is only one component of our total rewards offerings, and we will take the full offering into consideration when presenting an offer of employment.

Our total rewards package for this position may also include an annual performance bonus, Medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k) match, and other wellness benefits.

Pharmavite provides compensation for all overtime hours worked by non-exempt (hourly) employees in accordance with state and federal law. The need to work overtime hours will be determined by management, based on customer and business necessity to meet the needs of our business, Pharmavite may require employees to work overtime. Voluntary overtime requested by non-exempt employees must be approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor.

Health and wellness begins with us.

Pharmavite is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit employment discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, and any other basis protected by state and federal law. Pharmavite recruits, hires, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates individuals solely based on job-related qualifications and abilities. Pharmavite also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws.

More than 50 years ago, our founders aimed to improve health & wellness by focusing on the basics-good nutrition and essential vitamins & minerals. Since that day, we've become a leader in the health and wellness industry and have earned the trust of consumers, healthcare professionals, and retailers alike. Our sole purpose then and now is to bring the gift of health to life, by helping people achieve a healthier way of living. This purpose is our passion and priority. Helping people live healthier, fulfilling lives is no simple task. Guiding us on our journey are our core beliefs.

Simply put, we believe energy and vitality fuel the pursuit of happiness. We believe our world of plenty is creating a poverty of health, but good health should be within reach for all. We also believe in achieving good health through the power of complete nutrition-not quick fixes-and that you can't have trust without truth.

Culture isn't something that's easily explained, but you know it when you feel it. And at Pharmavite, we like our people to feel supported.

PRO-GROWTH You deserve opportunities to excel and grow professionally, no matter what role you play at Pharmavite. So we offer training and development opportunities to help you pursue your goals.

FULLY DIVERSE Everyone has a different view of the world, and we love that. Having a workplace where everyone is heard is key to good collaboration and meaningful participation.

HEALTH-MINDED Health isn't something we deliver only to customers. Our employees and their families are on the receiving end too, through wellness programs that help us practice what we preach.