Utility Operator

EMEA3 Recruitment; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise in Columbus, GA is seeking a Utility Operator to support manufacturing by setting up equipment, monitoring lines, and ensuring food safety and quality standards. This entry-level role is ideal for those new to the food and beverage industry who want to learn and grow in a fast-paced production environment under the supervision of experienced staff.

You will perform basic quality checks, assist with equipment maintenance, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, document production logs, and

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: No prior manufacturing experience required; prior food/beverage exposure is a plus.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with GMP/HACCP is advantageous but not required—training will be provided.
• Physical Requirements: Able to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Operate can fillers, bottle fillers, bag-in-box fillers, and tunnel pasteurizers under supervision.
• Perform basic inspections to ensure product quality and safety standards.
• Follow GMP and HACCP guidelines to maintain product integrity.
• Assist with setting up, cleaning, and maintaining production equipment.
• Adhere to safety protocols and use PPE properly.
• Complete basic production logs and checklists accurately.
• Maintain clean and organized work area to support safety and efficiency.
• Participate in training programs to learn production processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals.

Skills

Willingness to Learn

Attention to Detail

Team Player

Safety Awareness

Time Management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

About us

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavors, cosmetic active ingredients as well as functional ingredients. Its customers include perfume, cosmetics, food and beverage manufacturers, the pharmaceutical industry and producers of dietary supplements and pet food.

With sales of around €5.0 billion in the 2024 financial year, the company is one of the world's leading providers. The Group, headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, has more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the USA and Latin America.

Together with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked.

Symrise - always inspiring more...

Your role

Position Summary:

The Utility Operator plays a role in supporting manufacturing operations by assisting with equipment setup, monitoring production lines, and ensuring adherence to food safety and quality standards. This position is ideal for individuals new to the food and beverage industry who are eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced production environment. The operator works under the guidance of experienced team members and supervisors to maintain efficiency and uphold company standards. This position reports directly to the Production Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Production Support: Assist in operating can fillers, bottle fillers, bag-in-box fillers, and tunnel pasteurizers under supervision.
• Quality Checks: Perform basic inspections to ensure products meet quality and safety standards.
• Food Safety Compliance: Follow all GMP and HACCP guidelines to maintain product integrity.
• Equipment Assistance: Help with setting up, cleaning, and maintaining production equipment.
• Safety Practices: Adhere to workplace safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and safe handling of materials.
• Documentation: Complete basic production logs and checklists accurately.
• Housekeeping: Maintain cleanliness of the work area to support a safe and efficient environment.
• Learning and Development: Participate in training programs to build knowledge of production processes and equipment.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with team members and supervisors to ensure production goals are met.

Skills & Abilities:

• Willingness to Learn: Enthusiastic about acquiring new skills and knowledge in a manufacturing environment.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to follow instructions and maintain focus on quality and safety requirements.
• Team Player: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.
• Safety Awareness: Understanding of basic workplace safety practices and the importance of food safety.
• Time Management: Ability to stay on task and complete assigned duties within production timelines.

Safety/Regulatory Training Requirements:

• Adhere to workplace safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and safe handling of materials.

Working Conditions:

• Works in industrial plant environment.

About you

Knowledge and Experience Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: No prior manufacturing experience required; previous exposure to food or beverage production is a plus.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with GMP and basic food safety practices is advantageous but not required - training will be provided.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in varying temperatures.

Our offer

Become part of our open and transparent culture. It will give you the opportunity to flourish and to develop inspiring experiences that contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries around the world. Putting our employees in focus fuels our strong company growth above market rates and makes us an excellent place to develop your career.

Come join us and embark on a fascinating journey with Symrise.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.