Processing Operator - Skittles ($1,500 Sign on Bonus)

Mars Incorporated in; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated is seeking a Processing Operator for Skittles in Illinois. The role focuses on operating equipment, ensuring product quality, safety, and adherence to production standards while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, some college in engineering/manufacturing, and experience with automated processes (PLC/HMI), plus TPM exposure. The job emphasizes teamwork, communication, and a safe work environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate degree or higher in engineering or manufacturing.
• Two+ years in a food manufacturing environment with automated processes including PLC/HMI.
• Experience in a TPM environment.
• Strong math, communication, computer and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate all equipment in the assigned work area ensuring quality, safety and performance standards.
• Communicate effectively with team lead and peers.
• Fill out HACCP and related sheets correctly.
• Maintain a safe, 5S compliant manufacturing area.
• Perform changeovers and cleanouts per work instructions.
• Participate in TPM teams and identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal

Team building

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in engineering/manufacturing

Job description

Processing Operator - Skittles ($1,500 Sign on Bonus) (Finance)

Job Description:

Operators are system experts in their assigned area and are highly functional in multiple areas. Operators must also ensure efficiency, operational conformance, product quality and continuous improvement. Functions as a member of an area team which is directly responsible for the efficient production of quality products in the required quantities. Operate/change over specified machinery in the assigned area. Operators must have the skill set to train and/or perform the tasks of other associates in the area as needed. This job requires Strong Communication, Interpersonal and Team Building skills to support site objectives.

Functions include but are not limited to perform changeovers as needed, perform period deep cleanings, maintain supplies for your designated work area, properly fill out all paperwork and perform all cleaning/inspection/lubrication tasks (CIL'S). This is all to be performed while adhering to and encouraging the Five Principles of Mars.

What are we looking for?

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum: Grade 12 or High School diploma, or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associates degree, or higher, in an engineering or manufacturing related discipline.

Preferred:

• Preferred: Two (2) or more years of experience in a food related manufacturing environment with automated processes, including PLC/HMI. Experience in a lean manufacturing environment or equivalent is preferred.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Minimum: Medium: math, communications, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Preferred: Strong: math, communication, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a TPM environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent pushing, pulling, dumping and rolling of barrels (25-105 kgs)
• Frequent clean out of extruders, cooling tunnel and conveyor systems using scraping tools
• Frequent lifting/carrying of materials
• Frequent standing
• Frequent use of moving of skids using a pallet jack or forklift
• Frequent walking
• Frequent reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Frequent stooping and bending

What will be your key responsibilities?

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary function of the incumbent is to operate all equipment in the assigned work area while ensuring all quality, safety and performance standards are being met. The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Communicate effectively with team leader and peers.
• Be responsible for following proper escalation protocol.
• Be responsible for filling out all HACCP and military sheets correctly
• Encourage and support a safe working environment.
• Ensure the manufacturing area is kept clean and organized at all times in accordance with 5S standards.
• Perform cleanouts and changeovers according to standards (i.e. work instructions and checklist).
• Actively participate in TPM (Total Productive Management) teams

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPACT

• Incumbent will have the ability to stop the process after a non-conformance is noticed while following the proper escalation protocol.
• Incumbent is also responsible for identifying and implementing improvement opportunities and making recommendations to their team lead.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 25.08 - USD 34.49