Production Cook-Overnight Shift

Ferrara Pan Candy Company - Bellwood, IL

Full-time

Bellwood, IL

Food and Beverage Retailers

About the position

The Production Cook position at Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Inc. is a critical role responsible for operating and maintaining computerized cooking kettles that manufacture starch gelatin products. This position is based in Bellwood, Illinois, and requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and industrial environments. The role demands adherence to safety standards and the use of protective gear where necessary. The successful candidate must be prepared to work overtime, varying start times, and weekends as dictated by business needs. In this position, you will be tasked with checking the production schedule to determine the variety and quantity of products to be cooked. You will lead the machine setup and changeover for production runs, ensuring that all work instructions, standards, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed meticulously. Identifying and resolving issues during setup and changeover is a key responsibility, as is determining the necessary ingredients and equipment for each production run. You will input product information into a touch screen panel, which includes raw materials, pumps, gauges, valves, and temperatures. As a Production Cook, you will feed the cooker with raw materials such as starch, liquid colored flavors, sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, and cook the mixed products to ensure they meet quality standards. You will also be responsible for making adjustments to controls to regulate temperature and other variables to maintain product quality. Diagnosing and resolving mechanical issues at the entry maintenance mechanic level is part of the role, and you will need to follow escalation protocols when troubleshooting efforts fail. Collaboration with maintenance personnel is essential when mechanical support is required. Throughout your work, you will be expected to embody the company's core values and operating principles, adhering to all company policies, procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and safety standards. Additionally, you may be assigned other duties to support the business objectives of Ferrara Candy Company.

Responsibilities

• Check production schedule to determine variety and quantity of products to cook
• Lead machine set up and changeover for production runs
• Follow work instructions, standards and SOP's for equipment set up and changeover
• Identify and resolve issues during set up and changeover
• Identify ingredients and equipment needed for each production run; set product information into touch screen panel
• Feed cooker with raw materials including starch, liquid colored flavors, sugar, corn syrup and gelatin; cook mixed products
• Conduct adjustments to controls to regulate temperature, amount of raw materials and other variables to ensure product quality exceeds established standards
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues with equipment at the entry maintenance mechanic level
• Follow escalation protocol in a timely manner when troubleshooting efforts fail
• Work closely with maintenance when escalation to maintenance support is needed for a mechanical issue
• Understand and demonstrate the Company's core values and operating principles
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, GMP and safety standards
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Ferrara Candy Company business objectives

Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year experience batch making and/or work as a cook in industrial food manufacturing strongly preferred
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Basic mathematical skills
• Basic understanding of equipment capabilities, standards and proper set points
• Ability to pass certification test on pallet jack and stand-up/reach truck forklift
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to understand detailed written and/or oral instructions
• Promote teamwork; possess a good attitude, and exhibit flexibility and willingness to perform tasks as needed
• Ability to problem solve by adjusting variables in standardized situations