Cereal Production Operator

About the job

COMPANY OVERVIEW
We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.​


POSITION OVERVIEW
Cereal Production Operator
Starting Pay: $23.85/hour
Shift differential pay (2nd & 3rd shifts)
8-hour rotating shifts | Steady 3rd shift
Why Join Our Team
The Buffalo plant produces Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Nut Chex, Corn Chex, and Gold Medal Flour. Located on Buffalo’s waterfront, it offers easy access to Canada and major cities like Toronto and New York City, and supports career growth through seniority-based bidding and apprenticeship programs. The plant also builds community through events like a summer barbecue, a family picnic at a local amusement park, and a holiday dinner for all three shifts served by leadership. Employees take pride in the plant’s strong family ties, and notable history includes its former name, Cheeri-Oats, grain transport by boat, and a fire the day before it opened in 1940.
What We Have to Offer
$23.85 per hour for 36 months of employment (90% of full rate of pay)
$26.50 per hour after 36 months of employment (100% of full rate of pay)
Potential to move up as seniority/qualifications allows to $30-35+
Shift Differential
Additional $.34 per hour for hours worked on 2nd shift
Additional $.41 per hour for hours worked on 3rd shift
Overtime pay
Time worked after 8 hours of work is paid at 1.5 times regular rate of pay
Time worked on Saturday is paid at 1.5 times regular rate of pay
Time worked on Sunday is paid at 2 times (double pay) regular rate of pay
Up to 120 hours (15 days) vacation annually (depending on schedule)
11 paid company holidays
401(k) with company match
Medical, dental, life insurance
Career growth and cross-training opportunities
Your Work Schedule and Shift Information
8-hour swing shift schedule rotation every week
1st shift: 6:30 am to 2:30 pm
2nd shift: 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Rotation is 1 week on 1st shift, then 1 week on 2nd shift
8-hour steady nights only schedule
3rd shift: 10:30 pm to 6:30 am
Ability and willingness to work overtime, any shift, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as needed
Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
As part of our manufacturing team, you will:
Assist operators during bottlenecks or downtime
Troubleshoot problems with machinery and partner with maintenance staff to resolve issues
Participate in startup, changeover, and shut down of operating equipment
Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance
Assist in training new employees
Support production tasks such as bagging, stacking, counting, paper feeding, oiling, and related line operations
Assist other plant areas as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED
At least 2 years of mechanical/technical experience in manufacturing or related field
Machine startup, changeover, and shut down , machine maintenance experience
Ability to work 8-hour swing shifts and/or steady 3rd shift
Must be willing to work any shift, including weekends/holidays as even once assigned a shift, you may get moved around depending on openings/seniority.
Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods
Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions
Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards
Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)
Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At least 2 years of manufacturing or production experience


ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)​
General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.


Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career:​