Production Operator IV

Flowers Foods, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Flowers Foods, Inc. is seeking a Production Operator IV to join the production team in Des Moines. You will operate automated production equipment, diagnose equipment issues, assist in preventative maintenance, and uphold sanitation and safety standards across the plant.

The role requires mastery of on-site Enterprise software data input, reporting, and system entries, with emphasis on product safety, quality, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent plus completion of a technical certification course (e.g., HVAC, auto maintenance/repair).
• Two years of related experience or more.
• Equivalent military training or at least 45 college credits may substitute for technical training.

Responsibilities

• Check and adhere to production work schedule for job assignments and reporting times.
• Maintain cleanliness of work area at all times while on duty.
• Operate facility metal detectors if trained and certified.
• Follow safety rules, GMPs, and company policies including EEO and harassment policies.
• Set up equipment following procedures and ensure continuous, efficient material flow.
• Verify product quality meets standards and adjust equipment as needed.

Skills

Two years experience

Education

High School diploma or equivalent with technical certification

45 college credits may substitute for technical training

Job description

FRESH. FORWARD. FLOWERS.

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) is not just about baking; it’s about crafting moments of joy with every delicious bite. With 2025 sales of $5.3 billion, and as one of the leading producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States, Flowers Foods brings passion to the table. From the wholesome goodness of Nature’s Own and Wonder to the bold and artisanal flavors of Dave’s Killer Bread, the rustic goodness of Canyon Bakehouse, and the sweet delights of Tastykake, each product is a celebration of taste and quality. Beyond the oven, Flowers Foods fosters a culture that values and reflects Honesty & Integrity, Respect & Inclusion, Sustainability, Passion, and Humility. With a commitment to innovation and a recipe for success, Flowers Foods is more than a bakery - it’s a delightful journey into the heart of flavor and community.

Full-time employees are offered the following benefits

• Comprehensive health and medical benefits
• 401(k) Retirement savings plan
• Professional growth and leadership training
• Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave

Benefits may vary depending on your work location.

Bringing Home the Dough

The production operator IV is capable of contributing to assigned area of the team-oriented production process. Included is the operation of automated production equipment, primary diagnosis of machinery failures, aiding in preventative maintenance, and sanitation of all related equipment.

In addition, it is the responsibility of the production operator IV to contribute to maintaining a safe work environment for themselves and their fellow technicians.

Position requires the ability to master the use of Enterprise software including data input that impacts production and financial systems, data retrieval, reporting, and other functions as instructed.

Position requires demonstration of competency for all on-the-job activities that may have a direct or indirect effect on product safety, legality and/or quality.

Position requires ability to act as a member of a highly functioning team.

Role requires the ability to move to all production areas of the and the ability/dexterity to set gauges, dials, guides, and rulers.

Rising to the Challenge: Position Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities/Major Duties

• Check and adhere to production work schedule for job assignments and work reporting times
• Maintain cleanliness of work area at all times while on duty
• May be assigned to operate facility metal detector(s); must be fully trained and certified
• Comply with work rules, safety rules, and GMPs
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures (EEO, Sexual Harassment, Safety, Sarbanes Oxley, etc.)
• Perform other duties deemed by management to be an integral part of the job, including but not limited to fulfillment of work schedules, adherence to attendance policies, and other applicable operating rules, policies and procedures
• The incumbent may be trained and assigned to operate multiple types of production equipment. Regardless of specific assignment, they are responsible for ensuring all machinery is set up, operated, and monitored according to established standards and safety procedures.

General Duties (applicable across machine assignments)

• Set up equipment following all established procedures, specifications, and safety guidelines.
• Ensure continuous, efficient flow of materials through assigned equipment.
• Verify product quality meets required standards throughout operation.
• Make necessary adjustments to equipment to maintain proper performance, measurements, and production speeds.
• Remove defective product and ensure only compliant product moves forward in the process.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and follow all sanitation requirements.
• Complete required documentation and system entries accurately and on tim

Knead to Know: Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of related experience.

Additional Ingredients: Essential Job Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalency plus successful completion of a technical certification course (i.e., HVAC, auto maintenance/repair, etc).
• Equivalent military training, other related technical training, or successful completion of at least 45 college credit hours may be substituted for technical training.
• A technical certification course may include the completion of the AIB “Science of Baking” course.

Salary Range- null - null

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent total rewards package.

EEO Statement

Flowers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Flowers encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or people of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The job description above outlines the general nature and level of work expected from employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this position. Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.