Urban Farmer · 2 months ago
3rd Shift Master Mixer
Manteno, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$21/hr - $22/hr
3+ years expUrban Farmer is a company focused on food manufacturing, and they are seeking a Master Mixer to lead the mixing department. The role involves overseeing the preparation of dough batches, ensuring quality control, and coordinating with team members to maintain efficient production flow.
Food and BeverageSnack Food
Responsibilities
Review daily production schedule and recipe sheets to determine batch requirements and sequence
Accurately weigh, measure, and stage all dry and liquid ingredients using scales, measuring tools, and automated dosing systems
Verify ingredient quality, lot numbers, expiration dates, and allergen status before use
Ensure ingredients match the formula and are pulled in correct order (FIFO)
Communicate any missing, damaged, or incorrect ingredients to Production Supervisor or QA
Load ingredients into mixers according to proper sequence outlined in the formula (e.g., dry blend → water → oil → inclusions)
Operate industrial mixers, water meters, hydraulic lifts, and auxiliary equipment safely and efficiently
Monitor and control mixing times, speeds, and stages to ensure dough development meets quality standards
Check dough temperature, hydration, elasticity, and consistency; adjust water/ice as needed
Inspect dough texture for gluten formation, dough strength, and proper mix endpoint
Troubleshoot mixing issues such as under-mixing, over-mixing, improper hydration, or ingredient clumping
Coordinate with mixers to promptly discharge batches into dough troughs or hoppers
Conduct in-process quality checks: dough temperature, batch weight, and visual evaluation
Compare every batch to established quality specifications and SOP guidelines
Identify common dough defects such as dryness, stickiness, tunneling, or low elasticity
Make minor formula adjustments within approved limits when necessary (e.g., adding water/ice for temperature control)
Immediately escalate any out-of-spec results or concerns to QA or Production management
Act as lead for the mixing department by assigning tasks to Mixing Operators and maintaining batch flow
Guide less experienced mixers during batch setup, ingredient scaling, and machine operation
Communicate expected batch times, delays, or equipment issues to downstream production teams
Ensure the mixing team follows proper cleaning, safety, and GMP procedures
Complete batch sheets for each mix, documenting ingredient weights, dough temperatures, mix times, and lot codes
Accurately record deviations, adjustments, and corrective actions taken
Maintain proper documentation for ingredient traceability
Report batch yields, scrap, and overages to supervisors for inventory reconciliation
Inspect mixers, hydraulic lifts, water meters, and controls before each shift for safe and proper operation
Ensure mixing equipment is properly lubricated, sanitized, and free of ingredient buildup
Report equipment malfunctions immediately and assist maintenance by describing observed issues
Assist with end-of-shift cleaning of mixers, hoppers, tools, scales, and surrounding areas
Follow all GMPs, including handwashing, glove use, allergen controls, and hair/beard net requirements
Prevent cross-contamination by keeping allergen and non-allergen ingredients separated
Keep the mixing area clean, organized, and free of spills, debris, or safety hazards
Follow proper chemical handling and sanitation procedures for cleaning tools and equipment
Immediately report any potential food safety concerns, foreign material risks, or contamination events
Follow all safety rules, including safe lifting techniques, equipment guarding, LOTO, and proper PPE use
Maintain awareness of pinch points, moving parts, and high-noise areas
Ensure surfaces are dry and free from slip hazards, especially around water and dough
Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and hazard identification programs
Maintain a consistent pace of batch preparation to keep production lines supplied with dough
Adjust batch sequencing based on line speed, dough proofing requirements, or urgent production needs
Reduce downtime by preparing ingredients ahead of schedule and staying aware of upcoming batches
Support line changeovers by cleaning and preparing equipment, resetting scales, and staging ingredients
Perform all tasks as directed by management to support production goals
Actively participate in meetings and provide insights on operational improvements
Qualification
Required
3+ years bakery manufacturing experience, especially with dough mixing or processing
Previous experience as a Mixer Operator, Dough Maker, or Lead in a bakery environment
Experience operating industrial mixers (e.g., spiral mixers, horizontal mixers, planetary mixers)
Experience working with allergen controls and specialty doughs (gluten-free, dairy-free, high-moisture mixes, etc.)
Ability to troubleshoot batch inconsistencies and make minor formula adjustments within approved limits
Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and food safety regulations
Leadership or team lead experience, especially in coordinating mixing workflow and training team members
Preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus for training and communication
Company
Urban Farmer
Urban Farmer is a leading manufacturer of better-for-you frozen foods and plant-based pizzas.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2020-12-14Acquired
Leadership Team
Chris Jaromin
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
2024-10-21
2024-10-21
2023-05-08
Company data provided by crunchbase