Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Juice Mixer Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Juice Mixer Operator is a cornerstone of our production team, responsible for the precise art and science of creating our high-quality beverage products. This role involves more than just pushing buttons; it requires a skilled hand in operating sophisticated blending equipment, a keen eye for quality, and a deep commitment to safety and sanitation. The operator meticulously follows complex recipes, transforming raw ingredients into the finished products our customers love. They are the guardians of consistency and quality at the most critical stage of production, ensuring that every batch meets our exacting standards for taste, color, and texture. This position is vital for maintaining production flow, upholding food safety regulations, and contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the manufacturing facility.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate or General Manufacturing Laborer
Warehouse Technician (with an interest in production)
Culinary or Kitchen Prep Staff

Advancement To:

Lead Mixer Operator or Blending Team Lead
Production Supervisor
Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Lateral Moves:

Batching Operator (in other food/beverage categories)
Packaging Machine Operator
Maintenance Technician (with additional training)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and monitor industrial-scale mixing, blending, and pasteurization equipment to manufacture juice and beverage products according to precise batch formulations.
Accurately weigh, measure, and stage a variety of raw ingredients, including liquid concentrates, purees, powders, and flavorings, ensuring adherence to the recipe.
Execute batching processes by adding ingredients in the correct sequence and for the specified duration as outlined in the production batch record.
Perform critical in-process quality control checks, such as testing for Brix (sugar content), pH, acidity, and temperature, to ensure the product is within specification.
Maintain meticulous and accurate documentation for all production activities, including batch logs, ingredient lot numbers, quantities used, and quality check results.
Manage the transfer of finished product from blending tanks to holding tanks or directly to the filling lines, coordinating with the packaging team to ensure a smooth production flow.
Adhere with unwavering diligence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety protocols, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans.
Conduct comprehensive Clean-In-Place (CIP) and manual cleaning procedures on all tanks, pipes, pumps, and associated equipment to ensure sanitation standards are met and prevent cross-contamination.
Troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment malfunctions and process deviations in real-time, making necessary adjustments to maintain operational efficiency and product quality.
Collect and properly label product samples at various production stages for the Quality Assurance laboratory to perform detailed analysis.
Follow all established workplace safety (OSHA) guidelines, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe chemical handling procedures.
Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts and electric pallet jacks, to safely transport raw materials and finished goods within the production and warehouse areas.

Secondary Functions

Monitor inventory levels of ingredients and processing aids within the immediate work area, communicating any potential shortages to supervisors or the materials management team.
Assist the maintenance department with routine preventative maintenance tasks and equipment inspections during scheduled downtime.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and suggesting enhancements to processes, safety procedures, or equipment operation.
Provide guidance and on-the-job training to new or less experienced operators to build team capability and ensure operational consistency.
Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in the mixing and surrounding production areas, ensuring a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times.
Participate actively in team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions to stay current on company policies and operational changes.
Support other production areas or departments as needed based on operational demands and instructions from the production supervisor.
Assist in the receiving and inspection of incoming raw materials, verifying documentation and checking for quality and quantity accuracy.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Batching & Recipe Execution: Proven ability to read, comprehend, and precisely follow complex recipes and batch sheets.
Basic Mathematics: Strong arithmetic skills for calculating percentages, conversions, and scaling ingredient quantities.
Equipment Operation: Mechanical aptitude for operating and monitoring pumps, valves, mixers, and automated control systems (HMI/PLC).
Food Safety Knowledge: Solid understanding of GMP, HACCP, and other food safety and sanitation principles.
Quality Control Testing: Experience using lab instruments like refractometers (for Brix), pH meters, and thermometers.
CIP Systems: Knowledge of and experience with executing automated Clean-In-Place (CIP) and sanitation (COP) procedures.
Forklift Operation: Certification or ability to be certified to operate a forklift and other material handling equipment.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from measuring ingredients to documenting records, to ensure product consistency and safety.
Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically to identify and resolve process or equipment issues as they arise.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a production team to achieve common goals.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production schedules, priorities, and operational needs.
Dependability: A strong work ethic with a reliable and consistent attendance record.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or Associate's degree in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science
Manufacturing Technology or Industrial Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

Prior experience specifically as a machine operator, blender, or compounder within the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or chemical industry is highly desirable. Experience in a liquid processing facility is a significant asset.