Meat Blending Operator – Formulation & Sanitation

Johnsonville; Wisconsin; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of processed meats based in Wisconsin is seeking a dedicated Blender Operator. The ideal candidate will ensure product quality and consistency by verifying recipes, blending ingredients, and monitoring production processes. Responsibilities include equipment setup, sanitation duties, and accurate record-keeping. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, along with experience in a USDA-regulated environment. Full-time benefits include health coverage, a 401(k) with matching, and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience as a Backup Blender Operator required.
• Experience in a USDA-regulated environment is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of meat blending operations and processing is desired.

Responsibilities

• Verify the production menu for specifications before start-up.
• Assemble equipment for production operation.
• Identify and gather spices and ingredients for blending.
• Monitor blend for consistency and conduct process checks.
• Perform sanitation duties in blending areas.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Basic math skills

Computer proficiency with Excel

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalency

Tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

MAS500 ERP system

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Job Posting Date: Oct 20, 2026

Shift: No Shift

Requisition ID: 52909

We are a leading manufacturer of premium, ready-to-eat link sausages and hot dogs. The company was founded in 2004 by four brothers, Chris, Joe, Mark, and Pete Salm. They partnered their individual talents together to create our organization, using the “partnership” concept as the cornerstone for our success. Since then, we have expanded and have two production plants with over 1,000 partners in Denmark, WI. In 2023, Johnsonville purchased Salm Partners to help grow not only its own ready-to-eat sausage business, but the ready-to-eat sausage category as a whole. The combination of the country’s most trusted retail sausage brand (Johnsonville) with the industry leading manufacturer (Salm Partners) has created a world class organization. We are committed to growth as a company and to our partners! Apply today and discover your opportunity to grow with us.

Position Overview

1st Shift 6AM - 2PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed

2nd Shift 2PM - 10PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed

3rd Shift 10PM - 6AM Sunday- Monday ; Fridays as needed

2-2-3 Schedule 6AM - 6PM or 6PM - 6AM

Performs activities to support the Blender Operators in the formulation and blending preparation of raw meat product for processing, and sanitation of the Blending, Formulations and Seasoning rooms. Complies with all safety, food safety, SQF, quality, GMP and USDA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Verify the production menu for process and product specifications per the Operational Parameters sheet from the MAS500 system prior to start-up to determine formulation and blending needs.
• Assemble and set up the formulation and blending rooms' equipment for production operation.
• Identify the spices and additional ingredients for the product to be blended during the shift; gather supplies from the Spice Room and deliver to the Seasoning Room for use.
• Verify and log the raw meat vat information and ingredients.
• Load raw meat from hopper to the blender.
• Add ingredients per the established recipe requirements.
• Monitor the blend during the mixing process; conduct process checks to verify the blend consistency for stuffing.
• Generate and apply blend labels to vats, with date, quantity, ingredients, etc. for lot traceability.
• Complete the required paperwork, including batch sheets, rework usage log, etc.
• Disassemble, sanitize and reassemble equipment as identified on the Changeover Matrix between production blends as required.
• Perform daily and weekly sanitation duties that include the following: sweep and mop floors; wash and; wipe down equipment, wash parts and walls; empty and clean bins and barrels; remove and dispose of all waste; mop and clean the Formulation, Blending, Grinder and Seasoning Rooms; clean the ice machine and raw cooler, and other areas weekly or as needed.
• Exercise safety precautions when using cleaning chemicals, using cleaning chemicals appropriate to the task.
• Follows established equipment Lockout/Tagout procedures as required.
• Operate a forklift and pallet jack to pull and move raw materials, product and supplies.

Education

A minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalency.

Experience

A minimum of 6 months experience as a Backup Blender Operator is normally required A minimum of 3 years work experience in a USDA- regulated environment is strongly preferred Experience with meat blending operations or ready-to-eat processed meats manufacturing is strongly preferred. Experience with formulating sausage to defined fat and moisture levels, incorporating water/fat-binding ingredients and inclusions (IQF vegetables, cheese) into sausage is highly desired.

Skills

Must possess good verbal and interpersonal communication skills Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as product information, process instructions, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Must possess computer proficiency with Excel, Outlook, SalmWiki and MAS500 or related integrated ERP manufacturing software system.

Must have strong basic math skills, with the ability to calculate percentages and fractions for recipe quantities and meat formulations.

Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal or diagram form.

Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit and talk or hear. The partner is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, with repetitive motions of hands, arms and shoulders. The partner must regularly lift up to 50# and occasionally carry up to 50#, upstairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and depth perception.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. There is a wide variation of temperatures, ranging from 35° F to 100° F in the various other work areas. The work environment in Blending is wet and slippery. The noise level in the production work environment is usually loud Partners are required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment Gloves, goggles, face shield, dust mask, rain suits and rubber boots will be provided when required.

Benefits and Compensation

Full-time Partners at Salm have access to a wide range of benefits designed to support their well-being and future. This includes a 401(k) with a company match, health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as an optional Health Savings Account (HSA). Salm also provides company-paid short-term disability and life insurance policies. Full-time Partners enjoy paid time off (PTO) and the opportunity to grow within a values-driven and team-focused environment. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and position.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Salm Partners is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.

At Salm, we're committed to being a good partner in our co-manufacturer relationships and in our community. That's why we call our employees "Partners."

When you work for Salm Partners, we work with you to create an avenue of growth for your career.