Blender Lead

Blender Lead NLX Beverage Solutions - 3.0 New Lenox, IL Job Details Full-time $25 - $27 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Computer operation Basic math English High school diploma or GED Task prioritization Conflict management Computer skills Pallet jack Hand tools

Full Job Description About Us:

NLX Beverage Solutions, now integrated into Finlays Solutions, brings together specialized beverage manufacturing expertise with the scale of a global industry leader. Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs. Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long‑term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company's dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Job Summary:

The Blender Lead is responsible for supervising and guiding all blender team members, ensuring consistent performance, adherence to safety standards, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This role oversees the accurate blending of beverage products according to work order specifications, while maintaining high standards of product quality, safety, and process efficiency. The Blender Lead also plays a key role in training, mentoring, and supporting the success of new and existing team members. A positive, safety-minded attitude and a commitment to meeting daily production goals with precision and teamwork are essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Uphold, teach, and enforce all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) related to production operations. Promote and enforce all safety and quality policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with all Blending Department policies and procedures. Train and guide employees on processing, changeovers, clean-up, and sanitation procedures per SOPs. Develop and train blending operators in all aspects of their roles. Coordinate and facilitate onboarding and training for new blending team members. Create, implement, and maintain an effective training program and schedule for blending operators. Conduct hands-on training for new blenders using blend instructions, SOPs, SSOPs, and other relevant documentation. Clean or verify the cleanliness of equipment before startup and during product changeovers. Ensure all batches are blended accurately according to Blend Instructions and Batch Formulas. Train staff on operating all manual, semi-automatic, and automatic systems based on product requirements. Prepare or verify processor recipes to meet product specifications. Record all critical processing parameters, including time, temperature, pressure, and volume. Collaborate with the QA department to complete tanker and batch analysis, batch adjustments, ATP testing, and allergen swabbing. Work with the Maintenance team to maintain blending equipment and the wastewater system. Monitor daily production schedules, perform clean-in-place (CIP) procedures as needed, and manage tanker offloading. Ensure all recording charts are operational and capturing data accurately. Review all blending documentation daily for accuracy and completeness. Confirm all ingredients are sealed, tamper-taped, weighed, cleaned, properly stacked on pallets, and wrapped post-production. Update the CIP board to track cleaning schedules and ensure equipment not in use is cleaned appropriately. Evaluate blending team performance and provide updates to Supervisors and the Batching Manager. Complete and document all cleaning tasks as required by the Master Sanitation Schedule or as assigned. Maintain a valid forklift certification and operate forklifts when necessary. Comply with all plant policies, including safety procedures, GMPs, SOPs, SSOPs, SQF, and HACCP requirements. Perform all standard duties of a Blender, when required. Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements:

High school diploma or GED required; 2+ years of work experience preferred, ideally in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to ensure understanding of written procedures, safety instructions, technical documentation, and verbal communications. Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and use of weights and measures. Must be comfortable using a calculator. Familiarity with basic computer systems and control interfaces. Basic understanding of food production and food safety principles is a plus. Team-oriented attitude; respectful, approachable, honest, dependable, and adaptable to change. Capable of resolving conflicts professionally. Able to prioritize tasks and remain productive under shifting demands. Follows both written and verbal instructions accurately. Highly motivated, reliable, and hands-on with a strong problem-solving mindset. Able to identify and address inconsistencies or quality issues with accuracy and precision. Physical Demands Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours during peak periods or critical operations Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety Work Environment Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation. Work environment may involve exposure to inclement weather. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols.

Quality Statement:

Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to "be the best" as we produce "only the best". Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following: Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products. Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls. Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately. Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety. Adhere to all health and safety work practices. Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it. Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always. Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies. Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship