Machine Operator - Pre-whip, Liquid, Palletizer - Weekend Shift

Rich Products Corporation; Niles, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Rich Products Corporation is seeking a Machine Operator for the Fri-Sun weekend shift in Niles, IL. You will operate, monitor, and maintain production equipment across Pre-Whip, Liquid, and Palletizer operations, ensuring quality, safety, and on-time production starts.

You will perform setup/changeovers, run quality checks, and assist with basic troubleshooting and sanitation. Strong teamwork and communication are essential in a fast-paced manufacturing environment at Rich’s.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food processing.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, monitor, and perform changeovers on equipment as trained.
• Ensure equipment is production-ready for on-time start-ups and sustained operation.
• Make process adjustments to maintain product flow, weights, mix integrity, and packaging quality.
• Perform basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime and elevate issues appropriately.
• Operate date coders and verify code accuracy and legibility on finished product and cases.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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Location: Niles, IL, US, 60714

Segment: Operations

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With more than 13,500 associates working globally in 100 countries and annual sales of $5.9 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

Purpose Statement

The Machine Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining production equipment across Pre-Whip, Liquid, and Palletizer operations to ensure consistent product quality, efficiency, and food safety compliance. This role supports production flow by performing equipment setup, changeovers, process adjustments, quality checks, and basic troubleshooting in alignment with TPM, GMP, and Rich Products’ manufacturing standards.

This is a hands-on, multi-skilled role designed to support cross-coverage, flexibility, and operational excellence across the production floor. Lastly, this is Weekend Shift, occurring Fri - Sun from 5a-630p CST

• Set up, operate, monitor, and perform changeovers on Pre-Whip, Liquid, and Palletizer equipment as trained.
• Ensure equipment is production-ready for on-time start-ups and sustained operation.
• Make process adjustments to maintain product flow, weights, mix integrity, and packaging quality.
• Perform basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime and elevate issues appropriately.
• Operate date coders and verify code accuracy and legibility on finished product and cases.
• Perform routine process control and quality checks to prevent out-of-spec product.
• Complete equipment inspections, mix sheets, palletizing records, and production documentation accurately and on time.
• Comply with GMP, food safety, quality, and plant policies at all times.
• Assist Quality Assurance with sampling, inspections, and audits as needed.
• Make sound quality decisions within defined parameters and elevate concerns when required.
• Follow all OSHA and facility safety requirements, including proper use of PPE.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with GMP and safety standards.
• Clean and sanitize equipment using approved sanitation practices.
• Make every reasonable effort to prevent downtime and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with tank cleaning, ingredient handling, and chemical handling as trained.
• Support other production areas as a light machine operator or general laborer when qualified.
• Communicate equipment issues, quality concerns, and material shortages to supervisors or maintenance.
• Participate in safety, GMP, TPM, and continuous improvement activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and ownership on the production floor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food processing.

Technical Knowledge

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages).
• Strong understanding of basic food safety and associate safety practices.
• Knowledge of computer systems and ability to operate batching programs.
• Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity for operating mixers and handling ingredients.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to adapt in fast-paced environments and make quality decisions under pressure.
• Desire to operate as part of a self-directed work team and contribute to improvement initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, climb, reach, stoop, bend, grasp, and move throughout the facility daily.
• Work in high-noise areas with required PPE (hearing/vision protection, Hairnets, Uniforms, etc.).
• Must be able to lift, push/pull mixing bowls up to 55 lbs.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and bakery ingredients.
• Able to work in multi-shift environments and handle potentially hazardous equipment or materials.

COMPENSATION

In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.

Annual Range/Hourly Rate

$20.00-$20.00

Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity , standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Associate Experience Network at [e-mail] if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK.

As a family-owned company, caring for our associates—their whole selves—is a top priority. That’s why we provide benefits and tools to help our people balance the integration of work and life:

• Competitive compensation
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Family planning support
• Associate resource groups
• Volunteering & community impact opportunities
• Holiday gatherings
• In-house taste tests (we are a food company after all)!

It’s all part of how we support our family of associates.Because in the company of family, all things are possible.

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family‑owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in‑store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With over 13,500 associates working in 100 locations globally, and annual sales at $5.9billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s Infinite Possibilities. One Family.