Processing Operator - Protein Plant

About the Role

As a Processing Operator in our Protein Plant, you'll play a key role in maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations. This hands-on role involves equipment operation, product quality control, hygiene maintenance, and supporting overall site functionality.

Key Responsibilities

Regardless of position, all employees are expected to:

• Promptly report any accidents, incidents, injuries, property damage, near misses, or food safety concerns in line with company policy.

Primary Operational Duties

• Safely operate processing equipment in accordance with WHS legislation and company procedures.

• Perform startup, operation, and shutdown procedures for the Protein Plant, including Line 2, dehulling plant, Alpine mill, classification plant, and packaging areas.

• Complete regular cleaning of plant equipment and maintain hygiene across the facility.

• Conduct hourly quality checks to ensure products meet all required standards and specifications.

• Perform accurate product and raw material analysis per SOPs and record results clearly.

• Work collaboratively with fellow operators and managers to ensure smooth production flow.

• Assist with the grain splitting line operations as needed.

• Conduct preventative maintenance on equipment and report any issues in writing.

• Manage packaging material inventory, reporting low stock levels.

• Handle bulk bag and pallet labeling for finished goods and safely transport them using a forklift.

• Prepare for upcoming production runs by ensuring availability of materials (e.g., bags, labels, ink).

• Dispose of unwanted samples and store retention samples appropriately.

Additional Responsibilities

• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with all WHS, QA, and food safety standards.

• Support general site operations and business development opportunities.

• Assist in managing third-party relationships including freight, suppliers, and customers.

• Provide support with stock control when required.

• Foster positive working relationships across the business.

What We're Looking For

Technical Skills & Experience

• Experience in grain handling, food processing, or similar industries.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Competency with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and ability to learn internal systems.

• Forklift licence (required).

• Current driver's licence (required).

Personal Attributes

• Strong planning and organisational skills.

• Ability to anticipate needs and take proactive action.

• Solid analytical thinking and sound decision-making abilities.

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• A team player with a hands-on approach to work.

To Apply:
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you'd be a great fit for this role.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Drake, we are committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity. While our journey is ongoing, our shared goal is to create an environment where every individual is respected and valued. We are a community that recognises the strength of diversity.

Right to Work

The above position is open only to applicants who have a current right to work in Australia. Applicants who do not have a current right to work In Australia will unfortunately not be considered and are respectfully asked not to apply.