Machine Operator

ofi North America (Olam Food Ingredients); Lenoir City (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

ofi North America (Olam Food Ingredients) in Lenoir City, TN seeks a Machine Operator to safely operate and monitor production lines for coffee and tea. You will troubleshoot equipment, ensure product quality, and uphold strict safety and sanitation standards while meeting daily production targets.

The role requires a high school diploma, 18+ years old, and the ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed. Join a team dedicated to safe, high-quality food ingredients.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• 1 year experience as a machine operator in food/beverage manufacturing preferred.
• Must be 18 years or older and able to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends and holidays.
• Capable of reading and understanding simple instructions, memos and labels.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production machinery to process coffee and tea safely and efficiently.
• Troubleshoot basic to moderate equipment issues and perform minor repairs as needed.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment and adhere to safety protocols including LOTO.
• Verify machine settings, seals and oxygen levels meet product specs.
• Conduct quality checks, collect samples, and ensure packaging integrity.
• Complete documentation clearly and accurately for quality records.
• Assist in changeovers, sanitation, and reassembly between runs.
• Support training of new hires and production teammates as needed.

Skills

Machinery operation

Troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

LOTO procedures

Job description

Description

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the primary responsibility of the Machine Operator is the safe operation and monitoring of production machinery used to process high quality coffee and tea in the most efficient manner. Safe operation includes troubleshooting and adjusting to meet product specification. Employees are required to operate equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure personal safety, product integrity, customer satisfaction, cost and productivity needs are met. The machine operator is ultimately responsible for all product and activity associated with the line throughout their shift.

Position Responsibilities

• Possess mechanical mindset to clean, set up, operate and monitor complex machinery along the production line. Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties and perform minor repairs on equipment.
• Maintain an environment that is safe and healthy and report unsafe situations or conditions immediately. Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including Lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices, to ensure a safe working environment.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance is adhered to as outlined in Food Safety Plan and other quality Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Verify all parts and aspects of production are correct – machine settings, augers, formers, seals, oxygen levels, etc.
• Ensure strict quality standards including seal integrity and residual oxygen levels. Pull product samples as required and perform quality inspections on the product and packaging, as necessary.
• Ensure correct items are used to produce each product.
• Ensure weights and case counts are correct by monitoring at required intervals.
• Ensure box printing, taping and pallet configuration is correct (format, color code, ti-hi)
• Ensure all required documentation is completed clearly, legibly and accurately. Complete all scheduled quality checks. Review work and turn in Machine Operator paperwork as required.
• Complete effective and efficient changeovers, including disassembly, sanitation and reassembly as needed, including threading film and/or filter paper, changing and confirming labeling information, etc.
• Keep a clean work area. Transfer materials, supplies and products between work areas using moving equipment and hand tools. When not in use, store clean tools, utensils, and machine parts in a sanitary manner.
• Act and ensure that proper follow-up has taken place when quality defects occur.
• Aids in training new hires and the development of production employees, once certified.
• Communicates all problems with the packaging line (maintenance, downtime, etc.) or personnel to the supervision.
• Ability and willingness to support the company food safety culture and core values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma is required.
• One (1) year previous experience as a machine operator in a food or beverage processing or manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Ability to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting machinery, with strong understanding of mechanical systems is required.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Understand written or verbal instructions or job duties, follow instructions thoroughly, ask questions if necessary, be engaged in the work, and be a partner in producing the finest ofi products.
• Follow established programs, policies, and practices, and work safely to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
• Capability to stand for long periods and handle physical tasks associated with machine operation is required.
• Ability to pick-up and carry products up to 50 pounds unassisted is required.
• Ability to use full range of motion to bend, stretch, kneel, squat, climb stairs/ladder is required.
• Work in a light industrial and somewhat warm environment (during summer) or cool areas (during the winter).
• Have ability to deal with problems involving variables in standardized situations.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety policies and requirements

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.