Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Juice Supply Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Juice Supply Operator is an integral part of our production team, playing a critical role in the creation of high-quality beverage products. This position is responsible for the hands-on operation of specialized equipment used in the blending, processing, and supplying of juice and other liquid ingredients. The operator ensures that all processes are executed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with our quality and food safety standards. From managing raw materials to monitoring complex machinery and maintaining meticulous records, the Juice Supply Operator is the frontline guardian of our product's consistency and integrity, directly impacting customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate
Warehouse Worker / Material Handler
General Manufacturing Laborer

Advancement To:

Senior Juice Supply / Blending Operator
Production Team Lead / Supervisor
Quality Assurance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Packaging Machine Operator
Maintenance Technician Assistant
Inventory Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and monitor automated and semi-automated juice processing equipment, including industrial-sized blenders, mixers, pasteurizers, and transfer systems, ensuring continuous and efficient production flow.
Accurately measure, weigh, and mix raw ingredients, concentrates, and flavorings according to precise batch recipes and production schedules to maintain product consistency.
Execute the transfer of finished juice batches from holding tanks to the filling lines, ensuring seamless coordination with the packaging department to minimize downtime.
Conduct comprehensive pre-operational inspections of all machinery and work areas to ensure they are clean, sanitized, and in proper working condition before production begins.
Perform Clean-In-Place (CIP) and manual cleaning procedures on tanks, pipes, pumps, and other processing equipment, adhering to strict sanitation protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
Meticulously document all production activities, including ingredient lot numbers, quantities used, processing times, and quality check results, on batch records and in the ERP system.
Monitor critical control points (CCPs) throughout the process, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates, making necessary adjustments to equipment settings to keep parameters within specification.
Conduct routine in-process quality control checks, including testing Brix (sugar content), pH, and acidity, and collect samples for laboratory analysis to verify product quality.
Troubleshoot and resolve minor operational issues with processing equipment, such as blockages or sensor errors, and effectively communicate major mechanical failures to the maintenance team.
Manage the receiving, handling, and storage of bulk liquid ingredients and dry goods, ensuring proper stock rotation (FIFO) and allergen segregation procedures are followed.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment to transport raw materials from the warehouse to the production area and move finished product totes.
Adhere to all company safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food safety regulations (HACCP, SQF) to ensure a safe work environment and product integrity.
Participate actively in inventory cycle counts for raw materials and ingredients within the juice supply and blending areas to ensure inventory accuracy.
Maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization in the work area, following 5S principles to ensure an efficient and safe operational environment.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new operators, sharing knowledge of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for safe and efficient equipment handling.
Calibrate and verify the accuracy of scales, meters, and other measurement instruments as required by the quality assurance program.
Monitor and manage ingredient levels in silos and day tanks, coordinating with the warehouse or procurement team for timely replenishment to avoid production interruptions.
Prepare and stage all necessary ingredients, materials, and packaging for upcoming production runs based on the daily production schedule.
Immediately report any deviations from product specifications, safety concerns, or equipment malfunctions to the Production Supervisor or Quality Assurance team.
Collaborate with the R&D and Quality teams during new product trials, providing operational feedback on recipe scalability and process efficiency.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc production data requests and assist in basic root cause analysis for process deviations.
Contribute to the plant's continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process enhancements for safety, quality, or efficiency.
Collaborate with maintenance and quality assurance teams to communicate equipment performance trends and product quality concerns.
Participate in daily team huddles, safety meetings, and ongoing training sessions to stay aligned with operational priorities and developmental goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machine Operation: Proficiency in operating and monitoring industrial food processing equipment like blenders, pasteurizers, and fillers.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Strong understanding and practical application of GMPs in a food production setting.
HACCP/Food Safety: Knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles and food safety regulations.
Clean-In-Place (CIP) Systems: Experience executing and monitoring automated CIP and SIP (Sanitize-In-Place) procedures.
Forklift Operation: Certified or have the ability to become certified to operate a forklift and other material handling equipment.
Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform minor troubleshooting and adjustments on machinery.
Batch Record Documentation: Meticulous skill in accurately completing production logs, batch sheets, and quality records.
Mathematical Skills: Competency in basic math, including weights, measures, and conversions, for recipe formulation.
Computer Literacy: Basic skills in using computers for data entry, accessing SOPs, and interacting with ERP or MES systems.
Quality Control Testing: Experience with basic lab equipment for in-process checks like pH meters and refractometers (Brix).

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Crucial for following complex recipes, monitoring processes, and maintaining accurate records without error.
Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically to identify and resolve operational and equipment issues quickly.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Excellent ability to work cooperatively with production, quality, and maintenance teams.
Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual who can work effectively with minimal supervision.
Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication to report issues and convey information to team members and supervisors.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production schedules, priorities, and processes.
Safety Consciousness: A constant awareness of the surroundings and a commitment to following all safety procedures.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science
Manufacturing Technology
Process Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred: 2+ years of experience as a machine operator or blending operator within the food and beverage, dairy, or pharmaceutical industry. Direct experience with liquid processing, batching, and CIP systems is highly desirable.