Operator 3, Production- 1st Shift

Aspire Bakeries LLC; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

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

This role supports multiple production areas, requires first shift availability, and offers opportunities for growth within a culture built on care, ownership, and quality. Strong teamwork and strict adherence to GMPs are essential.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 GMPs, safety policies, and food safety standards.
• Support preventative maintenance activities and troubleshoot equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to communicate production issues and maintain workflow continuity.
• Provide operational coverage across production areas to support staffing and production requirements.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication & teamwork

Safety awareness

Ability to follow schedules

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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

At Aspire Bakeries, we don't just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.

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, Production, you will be accountable for operating, monitoring, and supporting automated production and packaging processes to ensure the safe and 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 activities and troubleshoot equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to communicate production issues and maintain workflow continuity.
• Provide operational coverage across production areas to support staffing and production requirements.

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.
• Experience troubleshooting equipment and making minor operational adjustments.
• 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.