Production Operator

AAK AB; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Production Operator to join their team in Newark. In this role, you will be crucial to the daily operations of a facility specializing in plant-based oils. Your responsibilities will include operating production equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and participating in continuous improvement initiatives. The company offers an engaging work environment with opportunities for growth and development. If you're passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and thrive in a dynamic setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) Plan with 100% match

Free Life and Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Training and development programs

Discounts on travel and events

Recognition incentives

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing facility.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills required.

Responsibilities

• Operate all production stations and manage production schedules.
• Perform cleaning, inspection, and basic repairs on equipment.

Skills

Problem Solving

Math Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

Associates Degree

Tools

Forklift

Computer (Windows Office)

Job description

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people all across the globe.

We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.

Everything we do is about Making Better Happen.

AAK Newark

Port Newark, NJ

About the role

The Production Operator is involved with the successful daily operation of the facility on a 7-day a week rotating shift basis. This requires attention to detail, good record keeping and the safe and efficient operation of equipment. This position is responsible for production and deliveries of refined vegetable oil, managing and adhering to the site’s production and shipping schedule. This position is also responsible for sanitation, inspection, lubrication and basic repairs of assigned production equipment.

Responsibilities

1. After training you will be expected to have the ability to operate all stations within the production department including: Deodorization, Hydrogenation, Interesterification, Bleaching, Blending and the loading and offloading of tank wagons and railcars, completing all required documentation and oil analysis.
2. Production and sanitation quotas dictated by the production schedule, the shipping schedule, operator routines, and the Shift Leader are expected to be met consistently while ensuring compliance to all safety and quality requirements.
3. Perform cleaning, inspection, lubrication and basic repair activities of assigned production equipment on a routine basis.
4. Perform housekeeping support to refinery and roads and grounds.
5. Actively and enthusiastically participate in continuous improvement initiatives for the site.
6. Must complete all training requested of you.
7. Assist other refinery operators in tasks requiring additional manpower.
8. Assist maintenance employees with their tasks as able and as requested.
9. Use the forklift and other company tools and equipment in proper and safe method.
10. Communicate effectively with the shift supervisor on issues and problems that may occur.
11. Leave your worksite in the best condition possible anticipating a busy day.
12. Use the computerized work order system and put in work orders for the shift supervisor to evaluate.
13. Participate in company activities such as; Safety Committee, Audit committees, employee task forces, etc. Contribute to the effort in controlling costs and minimizing wastage in pursuit of your daily work.
14. Support goal of minimum part sparing consistent with production goals and local vendor support services.

Safety & Environmental Performance
Lead the safety effort by personal example. Support full department compliance with safety rules to further our goal of 0 accidents and encouragement of reporting near misses. Support 0 contractor accidents during major construction or anytime maintenance contractors are on site. Identify high-risk safety/ productivity issues and help remedy them. Adhere to SOPs and other work procedures as required.

About you

Qualifications include:
Associates Degree preferred, High School Diploma or GED Equivalent Required
Strong problem solving and math skills
Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills
Excellent communication (verbal and written), time management and organizational skills
2-3 years in related field or related experience in manufacturing facility.
Demonstrated ability to work and thrive in a dynamic manufacturing with evolving priorities and constraints
Demonstrated ability to work as a team player
Strong interpersonal skills that facilitate collaboration and harmony with both internal and external stakeholders (co-workers and non-AAK affiliated personnel)
Computer literate (Windows Office, email)
Ability to work a rotating, DuPont schedule (Alternation between Day and Night Shift); 12-hour working shifts

In return AAK offers

• Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement programs offering potential for you to progress your future career.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision) starting date of hire.
• Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500.
• 401(k) Plan with 100% match.
• Free Life and Disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans.
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more.
• Celebrations, events, and activities on site and supporting our communities.
• Amazon AwardCo recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition.

About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and a deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen for more than 150 years.

AAK prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.