Title: Extruder Operator

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and set up of all extruding, drying and coating equipment to meet or exceed daily production requirements.
• Must observe proper Lockout/Tagout and all safety procedures as required
• Must be able to operate and control extruders, so that all food safety temperatures and gelatinization requirements are met.
• Proficient in completing all required food safety/quality checks and understand the consequences of out of compliance.
• Report or take appropriate action when food safety/quality checks do not meet set specifications such as, temperature, kibble size, moisture, density, color, texture or foreign materials.
• Monitor running efficiency of processing equipment including downtime, through-put and food safety requirements.
• Ability to read and understand the daily production run schedule, and execute to that plan.
• Clearly communicate to manager and/or others any disruptions to production plan, quality failures or issues, equipment downtime and material deficiencies
• Maintain functional knowledge of all equipment in milling/processing area
• Cross train and train others in functional area
• Improve operations through individual and group problem solving. Provide leadership in solving problems that disrupts the daily production goals
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment that promotes associate safety and product integrity
• Other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned by the lead or supervisor

Physical Requirements

• Must be capable of working at elevated heights
• Must be able to lift 50lbs repetitively
• Must be able to lift up to 65 lbs. occasionally
• Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust dirt and chemicals

Other Requirements

• Must be able to adapt to a flexible working schedule, including different rotations, shifts, overtime hours, weekends and holidays

Education, Experience and Skills Required

• Minimum of three years manufacturing experience
• Certified in Forklift operation
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Good basic math, reading and writing skills
• Basic knowledge of personal computers
• Good problem solving and/or troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner with minimal supervision and a positive attitude
• Working knowledge of Safety, Quality and Material Management Systems and procedures
• Working Knowledge of food safety, GMP, GHOP, HACCP, SPC
• Complex problem solving, communication skills Decision Making Authority and Impact
• The Extruder Operator is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the line to meet and /or exceed production objectives. Operations Manager and Shift Supervisor provide guidance and or assistance when needed.

About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.