Latoya Jefferies
Gaffney,SC
Summary
Dynamic Extruder Operator with a proven track record at Nestle Foods, excelling in quality assurance and machine setup. Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills while reducing waste and enhancing production efficiency. Adept at training teams and fostering collaboration, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and achieving consistent product quality.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Extruder Operator
Nestle Foods
Gaffney, SC
07.2021 - Current
- Completed product traceability, logs, and production reports to accurately document extrusion-related activities.
- Exemplified positive attitude as team member in dynamic, fast-paced environment and remained composed and professional during complex challenges.
- Measured extruded products to identify imperfections, adjusting controls to adhere to project specifications.
- Troubleshot and corrected machine-related problems through proper equipment adjustments.
- Adjusted equipment for new product line and performed troubleshooting to deliver quality in operations.
- Performed thorough quality checks on finished products to ensure adherence to company specifications and client requirements.
- Reduced waste generation with careful material handling and precise adjustments to extruder settings.
- Improved safety standards in the workplace by adhering to company policies and conducting routine inspections of machinery.
- Demonstrated expertise in setting up various types of dies to accommodate diverse product specifications accurately.
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues in a fast-paced environment to meet challenging production targets consistently.
- Trained new employees on proper use of equipment, safety protocols, and company procedures, enhancing team productivity.
- Ensured consistent product quality by closely monitoring temperature, pressure, and other relevant parameters during the extrusion process.
- Ensured a clean working environment by performing daily housekeeping tasks around machinery and workstations.
- Adapted quickly to changing schedules or priorities while maintaining high levels of productivity under pressure.
- Supported continuous improvement efforts by participating in process improvement projects aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
- Interpreted and followed production orders to maintain compliance with production standards and unique product specifications.
- Took apart machinery, cleaned parts, and replaced damaged or worn out components.
- Changed out screens, dies, and inserts to fit different production needs.
- Maximized workforce efficiency by effectively managing shift handovers, ensuring smooth communication between team members and seamless continuation of production activities.
Ingredient Handler/Mixer and Cook
Nestle Foods
Gaffney, SC
07.2021 - 03.2025
- Trained new employees on proper ingredient handling procedures, ensuring consistent product quality across the team.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all handled ingredients, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain process.
- Increased accuracy in recipe execution by calibrating scales regularly and following precise measurement guidelines consistently.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining clear communication channels with team members regarding tasks and expectations.
- Supported continuous improvement efforts by providing feedback on current processes and suggesting potential enhancements.
- Reduced waste and improved production timelines by accurately measuring and weighing ingredients for recipe consistency.
- Enhanced ingredient handling efficiency by implementing inventory management systems and proper storage techniques.
- Ensured timely delivery of properly prepared ingredients to production lines, preventing delays or bottlenecks within manufacturing processes.
- Conducted regular inventory audits to maintain accurate records and prevent shortages or excesses in stock levels.
- Adhered to strict allergen control protocols, minimizing risk of cross-contamination during ingredient preparation processes.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, adhering to food safety regulations and company standards.
- Participated in safety training programs, reinforcing proper ingredient handling techniques and hazard awareness among team members.
- Kept work areas clean, neat and organized to promote safety, productivity and team success.
- Cleaned and sterilized factory processing containers and work areas to keep foods safe.
- Chose, inspected, weighed, and measured ingredients for each production run.
- Created batches of food products with specified flavor, texture, clarity, bouquet and color profiles by following production recipes and procedures.
- Documented batch production information such as ingredients and amounts, cycle times and temperatures observed.
- Prepared mixtures by properly filling kettles, pressure cookers and other processing containers with exact ingredients in accurate proportions.
- Tested raw materials and products to determine moisture, acidity and other levels.
- Worked with large vats, paddles and agitators to blend, mix and heat raw materials.
- Cultivated positive work setting for all employees by actively listening and communicating with team members focused on common goals.
- Adjusted equipment during runs to maintain optimal settings and achieve high-quality products.
Checkweigh Operator
Nestle Foods
Gaffney, SC
07.2021 - 03.2025
- Operated various types of machinery, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in diverse work environments.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and protocols.
- Assisted in training new operators, sharing knowledge of best practices and promoting a culture of teamwork amongst peers.
- Provided on-the-job training to newly hired workers and team members.
- Maintained knowledge of industry policies and procedures to set up and operate equipment safely.
- Reduced equipment downtime by troubleshooting issues and performing timely repairs.
- Increased overall product quality through meticulous attention to detail during operation processes.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance targets while maintaining strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Accurately documented all operational data, ensuring up-to-date records for review and analysis.
- Conducted comprehensive training for new operators, enhancing team skills and performance.
- Participated in quality assurance meetings, offering insights that led to improvements in product consistency.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks to prevent unexpected machinery downtime, ensuring continuous production flow.
- Maintained clean and organized work area, setting standard for workplace tidiness and efficiency.
- Made sure that products were produced on time and are of good quality.
Education
Associates Of Arts - Psychology
Spartanburg Methodist College
Spartanburg, SC05.2021
Skills
- Quality assurance checks
- Product packaging
- Machine setup
- Documentation skills
- Data entry
- Production monitoring
- Equipment operation
- Product inspection
- Quality control
- Quality assurance
- Equipment monitoring
- Waste reduction
- Screen changes
- Line management
- Quality control analysis
- Raw material selection
- Recipe reading
- Die adjustment
- Extrusion process
- Extruder operation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Machinery operation
- Equipment cleaning
- Production procedures
- Safety protocols
- Forklift operations
Timeline
Extruder Operator
Nestle Foods
07.2021 - Current
Ingredient Handler/Mixer and Cook
Nestle Foods
07.2021 - 03.2025
Checkweigh Operator
Nestle Foods
07.2021 - 03.2025
Associates Of Arts - Psychology
Spartanburg Methodist College