The ASR Group family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group portfolio includes the leading brands Domino, C&H, Florida Crystals, Redpath, Tate & Lyle, Lyle's, Sidul and Whitworths. ASR Group companies also produce and market Tellus, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.
OVERVIEW
The Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining production equipment to support consistent, high-quality manufacturing output. This role ensures that products are packed accurately, safely, and in compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards while completing required documentation.
Operator I Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions listed in all tiers.
Leveling summary: Works from SOPs under direct supervision; performs basic operating tasks and minor adjustments; escalates issues promptly.
- Operate assigned machine(s) or production equipment under supervision and according to SOPs
- Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and changeovers with some oversight according to procedures
- Learn emergency procedures, E-stop locations, and basic Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) awareness
- Ability to understand and follow assigned production schedules.
- Feed materials to equipment and remove finished product as required
- Perform basic operational adjustments, including clearing jams, cleaning sensors, and making minor part positioning corrections
- Performs quality control by inspecting equipment, critical control points (e.g. metal detector, magnets, screen, etc. and perform weight checks)
- Accurately complete required production documentation (e.g. quality, and food safety documentation, production counts, downtime, and scrap/reject reporting to support OEE tracking)
- Use and understand production and equipment systems to support equipment operation and efficiency. Knowledge in technological applications (e.g. RedZone, Beyond Trucks, Access, Sage etc.) to evaluate line performance/OEE and record production data
- Basic understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
- Operate forklifts and material-handling equipment once trained and authorized, as needed
- Use basic hand tools safely as required for assigned tasks
- Identify and report abnormal equipment operation, quality/packaging defects, material issues, or unsafe conditions
- Immediately report equipment damage, spills, accidents, near-misses, injuries, downtime, or any food safety/quality concerns to supervision
- Perform assigned cleaning, sanitation, and housekeeping tasks
- Follow all company safety rules, food safety programs, GMPs, and sanitation requirements
- Demonstrate correct use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
- Maintains a positive, professional, and team-oriented approach; is approachable and works effectively with others to support production needs.
- Participate in required classroom, on-the-job, and cross-training activities
- Follow assigned work and break schedules
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of production operations
Operator II Essential Functions (Includes Operator I Essential Functions, Plus)
Leveling summary: Operates independently; completes changeovers; performs intermediate troubleshooting; coordinates material flow; supports training and continuous improvement.
- Independently operate assigned production equipment with minimal to no supervision
- Perform startup, shutdown, and changeovers independently according to procedures
- Perform intermediate troubleshooting and mechanical/operational adjustments to maintain production efficiency
- Monitor OEE drivers (availability, performance, quality) and process stability; take corrective action within scope and escalate when needed
- Advanced understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
- Safely use advanced hand tools and power or pneumatic tools as required
- Assist with sanitation coordination and production transitions
- Support training and on-the-job guidance of new or less experienced operators
- Verify all required production, quality, and food safety documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted on time
- Communicate and coordinate downtime, quality concerns, material shortages, and equipment issues; escalate recurring issues with recommended actions
- Maintain accurate inventory counts for materials used in assigned areas.
- Demonstrate flexibility in supporting multiple lines or areas based on production needs
- Support and participate in continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, and efficiency
- Maintain strong attendance and reliability in support of operational needs
Operator III Essential Functions (Includes all Operator II Essential Functions, Plus)
Leveling summary: Serves as a technical resource; supports multiple lines; leads advanced troubleshooting and root-cause support; trains/mentors others; supports audits and standardization.
- Demonstrate mastery of assigned equipment, processes, and operational standards
- Operate, support, and troubleshoot multiple lines or functions to maintain production continuity
- Lead advanced troubleshooting; partner with Maintenance during breakdowns and chronic issues to restore operations and prevent recurrence
- Serve as a technical resource and trainer for new or less experienced operators
- Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for recurring operational, safety, food safety, or quality issues
- Provide advanced equipment adjustments to optimize performance within defined limits
- Support material flow, staging, and operational readiness across assigned areas
- Ensure tools, equipment, materials, and documentation are available and in proper condition
- Identify and report systemic safety, quality, or reliability risks
- Drive OEE improvement by identifying top losses, helping implement countermeasures, and coaching standard work to reduce downtime and defects
- Support standardization efforts (standard work, visual controls, and training reinforcement) to sustain improvements
- Participate and lead continuous improvement, efficiency, waste reduction, and standardization efforts
- Support audits, inspections, and verification activities related to safety, food safety, and quality
- Serve as a flexible operational resource to support staffing gaps or production demands
- Maintain high standards of safety, accountability, and operational discipline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to follow instructions, safety rules, and standard procedures
- Ability to learn new tasks, equipment, and processes through training
- Ability to work safely and maintain attention to detail in a production environment
- Ability to use basic tools and equipment safely
- Ability to observe conditions, recognize when something is not normal, and report issues
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervision
- Ability to maintain accuracy, reliability, and focus during routine and repetitive work
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and production needs
- Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require
Supervisory responsibilities
Required education and experience
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required
- Manufacturing or food production experience preferred
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical skills
Work environment and physical demands
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, varying temperatures, and moving equipment
- Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, grasp, kneel, and climb stairs/ladders
- Ability to regularly lift, move, and handle up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to wear required PPE for the duration of the work shift
Travel required
- The home office for this role is indicated at the top of this job description. Travel to other ASR/Ingredients Plus locations may be required as business needs arise.
Other duties
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Pay Range: $20.93 - $28.26/hour
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
