Baker - Bluffton Plant

Role Overview

The Bluffton, Indiana plant is expanding, and this role offers the chance to join a fast-growing pretzel manufacturing team. The brand emphasizes high quality, strong relationships, and a family-oriented workplace where leaders set the example. Bakers are the first step in the pretzel production process and will work with equipment such as large mixers and extruders, using both computerized controls and manual measurements.

Compensation and Rewards

• Weekly pay
• Eligible candidates may receive a $500 sign-on bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on day 30
• 401(k) retirement plan
• $1000 employee referral bonus
• Paid time off

Shift Details

• Day and night shifts are available
• 12-hour shifts: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm or 7:00 pm to 7:00 am
• Work pattern is 3 to 4 days per week on a 2-2-3 rotation

Key Responsibilities

The baker is responsible for maintaining product consistency and supporting the pretzel production line from dough handling through equipment monitoring. This includes operating machinery, checking ingredient levels, tracking measurements, and keeping production records accurate throughout the shift.

Application and Hiring Process

• Communication during hiring may come by phone, email, and text, so applicants must have access to a valid email address
• Applicants must complete and pass an online pre-employment assessment
• Those who qualify will be contacted by phone to arrange an on-site interview
• A background check, drug screening, and physical assessment are required after an offer is made

Essential Duties

• Work according to standard operating procedures to maintain steady product quality
• Identify differences in dough texture
• Keep hoppers supplied with the proper amount of dough
• Measure minor ingredients accurately by taking catch samples
• Monitor dough temperature
• Inspect the flour sifter every shift
• Verify that drives, cookers, salters, ovens, dryers, discharge units, and proofing conveyors are operating correctly and set properly
• Record cuts per minute as needed
• Check and document caustic readings every 30 minutes in BakerQC
• Check and document wet weights and length every 30 minutes in BakerQC
• Create inventory transfers in S4 Hana
• Track all ingredient lot numbers
• Keep the salter at the correct fill level
• Alert leads, quality assurance, and packers when product defects are found and explain how long the issue may continue
• Keep the immediate supervisor informed about any problems
• Perform other duties assigned by supervision or management

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire
• High school diploma or GED
• At least one month of related experience or training
• Ability to read and understand simple instructions
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers and decimals

Preferred Background

• Experience in manufacturing or food manufacturing, especially with GMP, SQF, autonomous or preventive maintenance, continuous improvement, and warehouse systems such as SAP or LPR

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically able to handle the demands of the role
• Frequent standing and walking are required
• Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds
• Safety gear may be required or recommended, including eye protection, side shields, hearing protection, and hair or beard nets

Additional Information

The statements in this posting describe the general scope and level of work for the position but are not a complete list of every duty, qualification, or condition that may apply.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other category protected by law. Equal opportunity is also extended to minority, female, disabled, and protected veteran applicants. Candidates needing a reasonable accommodation during the application process should contact the HR Service Center at askhr@hersheys.com.