Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jam Mixer

🎯 Role Definition

The Jam Mixer is a production-focused operator responsible for accurate batching, mixing, heating, and release of jam and fruit preserve products in a high-volume food manufacturing environment. This role ensures recipe fidelity, process safety, product quality, traceability and regulatory compliance (HACCP, GMP). The Jam Mixer collaborates with quality assurance, packaging, maintenance and production planning teams to deliver consistent, shelf-stable fruit spreads that meet specification, cost and food-safety objectives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Line Operator / Food Production Worker
Machine Operator (mixers, kettles, fillers)
Cook / Preserve Maker in small-scale food operations

Advancement To:

Jam Production Lead / Senior Mixer
Shift Supervisor / Production Supervisor
Quality Assurance Technician or Food Safety Specialist
Process Technician / Process Improvement Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Packaging Operator or Line Lead
Maintenance Technician (with mechanical training)
Inventory & Raw Materials Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate, set up and shut down industrial mixing kettles, jacketed kettles, vacuum cookers, planetary mixers and associated transfer pumps safely and efficiently to produce jam according to standardized recipes and batch schedules.
Weigh, stage and verify raw materials (fruit, pectin, sugar, acids, preservatives, colorings) using calibrated scales and inventory systems; confirm lot numbers and packaging for traceability and allergen control prior to batching.
Accurately follow detailed recipes and scaling instructions, adjusting ingredient proportions for batch size while maintaining target solids, Brix and pH specifications to ensure consistent taste, texture and shelf life.
Monitor and control in-process parameters including temperature profiles, cook times, vacuum levels, pH, Brix (°Bx) and viscosity, using hand-held instruments and plant instrumentation to maintain product within specification.
Execute Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation procedures for mixers, hoses, pumps and piping according to written schedules and GMP practices; document completion and record cleaning chemical usages.
Maintain complete and legible batch records, production logs and quality control forms including time stamps, operator initials, deviation notes and corrective actions to support traceability and regulatory audits.
Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks and basic mechanical adjustments on mixing equipment (seals, agitators, valves, bearings) and report complex issues promptly to maintenance to minimize downtime.
Coordinate with Quality Assurance to sample products for sensory evaluation, microbial testing, and specification checks; immediately quarantine and escalate suspected off-spec product.
Set up and prime transfer lines and filling interfaces to the packaging line, ensuring correct flow rates, temperatures and product consistency to prevent packaging interruptions and waste.
Conduct pre-operational and post-operational inspections, documenting equipment condition, cleanliness, gaskets and seals to support food safety and continuous operation readiness.
Follow and enforce plant safety protocols including lockout/tagout, PPE usage, chemical safety data sheet (SDS) handling, and proper manual handling techniques.
Adjust process parameters and mixing profiles to accommodate ingredient variability (fruit ripeness, pectin strength) while minimizing rework and maximizing yield.
Apply good manufacturing practices (GMP) and participate in HACCP-related activities by identifying critical control points (CCPs) and reporting deviations to the HACCP team.
Train and mentor new production staff on safe operation of mixing equipment, recipe execution, sanitation routines and proper documentation practices to build a consistent, multi-skilled team.
Implement portion control and first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory usage at staging areas to preserve raw material integrity and prevent expiration or contamination.
Participate in daily production meetings with planning and packaging teams to align batch priorities, inventory constraints and predicted changeover windows.
Troubleshoot quality and process issues (burning, scorching, lumping, phase separation, inconsistent set) using root-cause thinking and collaborate on corrective actions to restore normal operations quickly.
Manage small-lot pilot or R&D batches under guidance — executing recipe trials, recording observations, and providing sensory feedback to support new product introductions and scaling.
Record and report production yields, scrap, rework and downtime; recommend process improvements to reduce waste, increase throughput, and improve product consistency.
Ensure correct labeling, allergen declarations and packaging requirements are met when transferring product to the packaging line, including coordinating with QA on any label or formulation changes.
Comply with environmental, waste handling and chemical disposal procedures and help maintain an organized, clean and safe mixing area to support plant hygiene standards.
Operate basic plant IT systems for batch release, production scheduling and inventory updates; input accurate data into ERP or MES systems as required.

Secondary Functions

Assist QA and R&D teams with sensory panels, stability trials and small-scale recipe modifications for new jam flavors or seasonal products.
Support continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen) by documenting improvement opportunities, participating in root cause analysis sessions and implementing agreed action items.
Help manage supplier sampling and inbound ingredient inspections when required, including visual checks, temperature verification and documentation review.
Cross-train on adjacent production tasks such as filling, capping and labeling to provide flexible coverage during peak periods or staffing shortages.
Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe work instructions (SWIs) for mixing operations when new equipment or processes are adopted.
Contribute to seasonal production planning by advising on process constraints, ingredient availability and equipment capacity during high-demand windows.
Support ad-hoc line changeovers and assist with minor tooling swaps to minimize downtime and ensure quick transition between jam flavors or jar sizes.
Participate in internal audits and mock recalls by providing detailed batch history, ingredient lot numbers and production logs for traceability verification.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of industrial mixing equipment (jacketed kettles, vacuum cookers, continuous mixers) and peripheral pumps, valves and transfer systems.
Clean-in-Place (CIP) system operation and sanitation protocols consistent with GMP and food safety requirements.
Practical knowledge of HACCP principles, critical control points (CCPs), and daily execution of GMPs in a food manufacturing environment.
Measuring and interpreting Brix (°Bx), pH and viscosity; use of refractometers, pH meters and viscometers for in-process control.
Accurate batching, weighing and ingredient staging with calibrated scales and material handling equipment.
Batch recordkeeping and familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP modules for production and inventory transactions.
Basic mechanical troubleshooting and preventive maintenance for mixers, seals, agitators and pump systems.
Allergen control practices, traceability documentation and label compliance for multi-product lines.
Experience with temperature profiling, vacuum controls and heat transfer management for fruit cook processes.
Knowledge of food safety testing and sampling protocols, including coordination with lab teams for microbiological and chemical analysis.
Familiarity with scaling recipes from pilot to production batches and executing pilot-scale trials under R&D or QA guidance.
Basic PLC/HMI familiarity and ability to follow automated setpoints or alerts on mixing control panels.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on documentation, recipe fidelity and food safety compliance.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordination with QA, maintenance and packing teams.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot process deviations and propose practical corrective actions.
Team player who mentors peers and works effectively across shifts to maintain consistent product output.
Time management and ability to prioritize tasks during busy changeovers or tight production windows.
Adaptability to seasonal demand, new product trials and schedule changes.
Reliability, punctuality and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Continuous improvement orientation and openness to lean manufacturing practices.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions during equipment upsets or product quality issues.
Coaching and training capability to onboard new operators and document process knowledge.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (required). Strong candidates will have food production or technical certificates.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts, Mechanical Technology or related field.
Certifications in HACCP, ServSafe (or equivalent food safety training), or formal GMP training are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science / Food Technology
Culinary Arts or Food Production
Mechanical / Industrial Maintenance Technology
Quality Assurance / Food Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years in food manufacturing, bakery or preserves/fruit spread production; experience in jam, jelly, marmalade or high-sugar products preferred.

Preferred:

2+ years operating industrial mixing equipment with documented experience in batching, Brix/pH control, CIP and GMP/HACCP environments.
Prior experience with production documentation, ERP/MES entry, and working collaboratively with QA and maintenance teams.