Production Cook / Mixer Operator

Aspinity; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,298 - 33,182; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible paid time off

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

401(k) with match

Free Tovala Smart Oven

Paid holidays

Learning stipend

Casual dress code

In-office snacks and drinks

Job summary

Tovala in Chicago is seeking a Production Cook / Mixer Operator to work in a high-volume manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for scaling and preparing sauces and mixes, adhering to quality and safety standards. Candidates should have food certifications and demonstrate attention to detail in a fast-paced setting. The position offers benefits like flexible paid time off, comprehensive healthcare, and a 401(k) with a match.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Able to stand, bend, lift and move for shifts of 8+ hours.
• Comfortable working in varying temperature environments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food components, sauces, and batch mixes according to formulas.
• Scale and measure large quantities of ingredients accurately.
• Operate cooking and mixing equipment safely and efficiently.

Skills

Attention to detail

Basic math skills

Ability to read recipes in English

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Food certifications

Tools

Cooking equipment

Mixing equipment

Job description

We’re Tovala, a food-tech company reinventing home cooking to save consumers time. Through an innovative combination of hardware, software, and fresh food delivery, we make it incredibly simple for anyone to prepare and enjoy delicious, home‑cooked meals without sacrificing time to do whatever matters to them. Through our superior technology, product experience and food quality, we have separated Tovala from the busy pack of other meal delivery businesses. In the process, we’ve amassed a loyal, rapidly growing following and our retention, product engagement and customer NPS are all best‑in‑class. We’ve raised over $100mm from great investors like Left Lane Capital, Origin Ventures, Y Combinator and Comcast Ventures and have invested strongly in building a unique culture that fosters growth, personal development and camaraderie.

Production Cook / Mixer Operator at Tovala work in a high-volume, bulk‑batch manufacturing environment responsible for scaling and preparing sauces and mixes, using a multi‑batch production process, with individual batches frequently reaching up to 600 pounds.

Team members in this role maintain ownership of all aspects of assigned recipes from staging through completion and are expected to achieve and sustain satisfactory efficiency performance ratings following completion of the training period. Primary responsibilities include ensuring recipes are executed in accordance with Tovala’s established quality, safety, and efficiency standards.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

• Prepare food components, sauces, and batch mixes according to approved formulas and production schedules.
• Accurately scale and measure large quantities of raw ingredients.
• Operate cooking and mixing equipment safely and efficiently, including:
  • kettles
  • tilt skillets
  • ovens
  • tumblers
  • manca mixer
  • stand blender
  • kettle pump
• Execute recipes in accordance with Tovala’s established processes, procedures, and quality expectations.
• Maintain ownership of assigned recipes from start to completion.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and sanitation requirements at all times.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support production operations.

Competencies

• Ability to read and follow recipes written in English.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations.
• Ability to accurately measure both dry and liquid ingredients in small and large quantities.
• Strong attention to detail and process adherence.
• Ability to work safely in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Education, Experience, Licenses and Certifications:

• Food certifications.

Physical Demands

• Able to lift, push or pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Able to stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during shifts of 8+ hours.
• Comfortable working in hot and cold temperature environments in the kitchen, warehouse and walk‑in cooler for extended periods of time.

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Report any food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
• Follow and uphold procedures outlined in the Food Safety Plan and the Food Quality Plan and any other programs that support the SQF system and other 3rd party programs/audits.
• Responsible for taking necessary action on all food safety and quality problems reported or observed.
• Ensure a trained designee is appointed to cover for absences or vacancies.

Work Environment

Production: Space can be crowded with manufacturing equipment. Must remain aware of forklift traffic. Noisy; some areas can be dusty. May encounter extremes in temperatures.

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible paid time off (with a minimum of 15 days off you are highly encouraged to take).
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage we really invest in.
• 401(k) with match.
• Free Tovala Smart Oven and discounted Tovala meals.
• Paid holidays and our winter holiday office shutdown where the offices and facilities close for a week around Christmas and New Years.
• Various other perks – recognition programs, continued learning stipend, casual dress code, in‑office coffee, snacks and drinks, and Tovala swag.

Our Values

• Put the Team First: We put what is best for the broader team ahead of what is best for ourselves or our immediate department.
• Get S#!t Done (Well): We celebrate people at all levels for delivering high‑impact work that expands the bounds of what we’re able to do.
• Connect the Dots: We engage with curiosity to learn how our work impacts others so that we can problem‑solve holistically and work collaboratively.
• Be Direct: We share our perspective openly and directly, even when it feels difficult to do so.
• Embrace the Obstacles: We rise to meet challenges with a sense of urgency, resolve, and optimism.
• Champion the Customer: We consider and prioritize our customer in all of our decisions.

20.5 - 20.5 USD

At Tovala we’re committed to building a workplace that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Everyone is welcome here!