The Extruder Operator role:
Responsible for ensuring quality product is extruded and will operate/change over specified machinery in the assigned area. Operator must have the skill set to train and/or perform tasks of other associates in the area as needed. This job requires strong communication skills, interpersonal and team building skills to support site objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
Able to start and stop extrusion system with 90 days of assignment to area
Able to perform all testing and sampling in extrusion area and complete conformance sheets accurately
Demonstrates knowledge of area GMP’s
Demonstrates basic understanding of the process flow and equipment in the immediate area
Able to make Color, clean & assemble die plates, and forklift experience
Able to safely operate all equipment and systems in extrusion
LOTO training complete
Demonstrates understanding of E-stop strategy for area and can locate all E-stops
Able to do weekly processing start up and shut down procedures
Able to identify quality issues and make parameter adjustments to correct these
Able to set up for any recipe and input initial parameters and run effectively on any extrusion system
Able to run Quality and R&D test
Takes ownership for area in terms of safety and housekeeping
Understand the meat process
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of all equipment in the area, how it operates, what normal conditions are and can identify abnormal conditions
Able to assist in identifying solutions to problems and short term alternatives to circumvent problems

Demonstrates ability to consistently run all KKR products at 95% A grade while optimizing moisture and minimizing regrind
Able to optimize extruder efficiency by balancing finished product inventory mixed meal level and extruder rates
Able to accurately troubleshoot mechanical and controls system issues
Able to help maintenance/tech services find long term solutions to problems in area
Able to cover for one other processing position, and keeps up to date with changes in that area
Able to provide on-the-job training for new process associates on extruder operation, quality parameters, GMP’s, and safety
Able to understand and adjust the schedule when needed
Demonstrates consistent application of product knowledge in solving quality issues
Able to work with engineering and maintenance to make upgrades to area systems
Works on PMs on a regular basis 
 
 Other Responsibilities:
Maintain a clean, safe work environment that promotes associate safety and product integrity.
Improve operations through individual and group problem solving and provide leadership in solving problems on the floor and in meetings.
Promote high quality team environment through effective team work and self direction with a positive attitude.
Obtain and maintain proficiency in job specific business systems such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel systems. Remain current with facility utilized business systems.
 

Qualifications:
Primary qualifications for this job are:
Most recent Performance appraisal with a minimum of “Meets” expectations and not more than 1 year old.
No active disciplinary notices.
Acceptable attendance (less than 5 incidents and no discipline above an Initial Warning).
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
Must not be afraid of heights; must be capable of working at elevated heights
Must not be unusually sensitive to chemicals (contact lenses not recommended).
Vision correctable to 20/20.
Must be able to stand on feet for long periods of time.
Standing on a concrete floor
Wearing proper personal protective equipment (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform)
Bending, stooping, twist, turn, standing for extended time periods, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 50 lbs

 Other duties as required

Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust dirt and chemicals
Able to work with minimal supervision
Forklift assignments require OSHA certification and getting on and off frequently
Minimum Qualifications:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have a High school diploma, GED or equivalent education
Basic knowledge of personal computers
Demonstrated competency in computer and pc software including MS Office and email
Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules
Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language
Good basic math, reading and writing skills
Good communication skills
Ability to work in a self directed manner with minimal supervision and a positive attitude
High Level of mechanical aptitude and knowledge, with good skills in troubleshooting and problem solving
Basic knowledge of food safety, GMP, GHOP, HACCP, SPC
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
Forklift experience
Push Pull Lift experience a plus
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment with a positive attitude and minimal supervision
Good problem solving and/or troubleshooting skills
Working knowledge of Safety, Quality and Material Management Systems and procedures
Ability to read and understand the daily production run schedule, and execute to that plan
Ability to communicate to managers and team members any production, quality/food safety or other business critical information vital to operations and customer service Company-paid relocation is not available for this position.

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.