Operator 3, Cookies- Production APV Operator- 1st Shift

Aspire Bakeries; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

Aspire Bakeries is seeking a Bakery Operator, Production to join our West Columbia team. You will operate and monitor automated production and packaging processes to ensure safe, efficient production of high-quality bakery products.

This role supports production flow, product quality, and food safety compliance while collaborating across shifts and production areas. A strong mechanical aptitude and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of GMPs and basic maintenance concepts helps.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate production and packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient manufacturing of bakery products.
• Monitor product quality, specifications, and equipment performance throughout the production process.
• Set up and adjust machinery for start-ups, changeovers, and runs to meet production needs.
• Maintain GMPs, safety policies, and food safety standards.
• Support preventive maintenance and minor adjustments to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to communicate issues and maintain workflow.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Equipment operation

Food safety

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

life insurance, parental leave, paid time off

United States, South Carolina, West Columbia

Hungry for a career that's as rewarding as it is delicious?

We're looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that's on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you're ready to grow with us, we'd love to hear from you

Why You'll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.
• Work-Life Balance - Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Financial Security - Competitive retirement plans, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Growth & Development - Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries' learning and development programs.
• Flexibility & Support - HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.
• Recognition & Rewards - Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Bakery Operator, Production to join our team. As a Bakery Operator, you will be accountable for operating, monitoring, and supporting automated production and packaging processes to ensure safe, efficient production of high-quality bakery products.

This role is vital to maintaining production flow, product quality, food safety compliance, and operational efficiency while supporting multiple production areas as business needs require.

Shift & Schedule

• Shift: 1st Shift
• Hours: Based on operational needs
• Weekend Availability: Required as needed by business demands

Core Accountabilities (What You’ll Be Doing)

• Operate production and packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate manufacturing of bakery products.
• Monitor product quality, food specifications, and equipment performance throughout the production process.
• Set up and adjust machinery for start-ups, changeovers, and production runs to support operational requirements.
• Maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safety policies, and food safety standards.
• Support preventative maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, and minor operational adjustments to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to communicate production issues and maintain workflow continuity.
• Provide operational coverage across production areas, filling critical roles and supporting staffing needs as required.

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment and machinery in a fast-paced production environment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to follow production schedules, recipes, work instructions, and food safety requirements.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work around production equipment for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food production or bakery operations.
• Experience operating automated production and packaging equipment.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing processes and product specifications.
• Equipment troubleshooting and minor adjustment experience.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety standards.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.