Shank’s, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank’s quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide.

Universal Ingredients

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer: Shank’s Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

The primary purpose of this position is to perform a Processor duty and to provide support to the department team leader and Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for upholding company policies and procedures including but not limited to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), processing batches, sanitation, cleanliness, equipment verification, and process validation.
Promote healthy communication between workers and management.
Maintain job orders by utilizing ERP software, monitoring progress; resolving problems; and reporting the results of the processing to the team leader or supervisor.
Attend processing department meetings, communicate, and contribute to a team effort to satisfy customer priorities, including raw material planning.
Maintain workflow by applying steps of the process; inventory control; verifying processing variables; monitoring control points; communicating corrections to malfunctions within process control points; initiating and encouraging a spirit of cooperation within and between departments.
Maintain quality and safety by respecting organization standards.
Ensure operation of equipment, which includes pumps, processors, filters, and forklifts, and report issues.
Analyze operating practices, process job instructions, and recommend changes.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment for all control points, equipment, and resources, maintaining compliance with established policies and procedures.
Verify job orders, perform conversions, and measure and weigh ingredients to mix and complete batches.
Pull the raw materials from the inventory provided for each batch and verify every ingredient for accuracy for the batch.
Clean and sanitize equipment and containers used in processing to ensure no cross-contamination.
Apply the correct way to send a liquid to a tank or container so that loss of product is minimized.
Move raw materials and finished goods daily and ensure accuracy in the ERP system.
Deliver and assemble raw materials required for liquid production by using a tow motor or power jack when needed.
Return partial containers of raw ingredients and finished liquids to their appropriate area.
Move (as needed) newly received materials from the warehouse to appropriate storage areas.
Assist in period inventory counts.
Performs preventative maintenance on all pumps and mixers in the processing department.
Adjust batches out of compliance when necessary.
Responsible for submitting batch samples to the lab in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED:

Managing Processes, Problem-Solving/Analysis, Results Driven, Communication Proficiency, Time Management, Operate Forklift.
Ability to understand the processes and to run all available equipment in the Processing department.
Ability to maintain safety, equipment, and cleanliness of work areas.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well with a diverse group of staff, co-workers, and all those involved with the production process.
Ability to adapt to rapid change in an efficient manner.
Must be team-oriented and able to work well in a team setting yet be able to work independently as needed.
Able to handle repetitious and routine work, detail-oriented, self-motivated, organized, able to multitask, and use good judgment.
Basic math skills in converting.
Willing to work outside the department in areas such as Production, Extraction, Bulk ingredients, etc as needed based on business needs.
English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or equivalent
Food Safety Systems
HACCP Training for Processors
Familiar with ERP software
Experienced with meeting production schedules
Experienced in being responsible for the company facilities, equipment, or other material assets.
Basic raw material knowledge and how they counteract with each other is important.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

May require the employee to frequently lift and/or carry up to fifty (50) pounds
Required to stand and walk for an entire shift
Requires frequent pushing, pulling, lifting, reaching bending, twisting, stooping, and squatting
Requires frequent repetitive motion
Must be able to work in various indoor temperatures including elevated heat and humidity
Exposure to elevated noise levels which occurs below OSHA thresholds
Infrequent exposure to machine sanitation solutions and detergents
Exposure to various spices and food manufacturing smells throughout a work shift.
Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]
Required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices [GMPs]
Exposed to heat, hot water, steam, seldom vibration, and poor ventilation. Occasionally exposed to dust, dirt, fumes, and noise. Frequently exposed to fumes and wetness. Mixing powdered ingredients.
Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture

Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.

Quality: Shank’s is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity: Shank’s and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture: Shank’s respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement

ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation

ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs

***Competitive compensation and benefits package***

Shank’s Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients – Shank’s is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Processor 2nd Shift