Food batchmakers observe gauges to ensure that temperature is within the specified limits, adjust valves to control temperature, and operate switches and knobs to control equipment including salt pumps, discharge pipes, extruders, and beaters. Equipment will have to be monitored in order to detect malfunctions such as plugging or leaks. They also operate the equipment to process ingredients per formulas and recipes. It is also their responibilty to report malfunctions and undesirable taste to their supervisors. Food batchnakers evaluate information to ensure compliance with standards and if there are any changes to be made - such as change to quantities, sizes, materials, costs, and time - they ensure they changes are done.

Much physical activity is required, including handling, stooping, walking, balancing, lifting, and climbing. Products will need to be manipulated by rolling, pulling, cutting, casting, spinning, kneading, spreading, and separation. Food can be chilled, frozen, baked, cooked, dried, mixed, ground, or sliced. Food samples must be tested for butterfat content, gravity, acidity, and moisture content. The final product will be inspected, graded, and packed. Other duties include cleaning, sterilization, and inspection of vats and processing areas. Equipment and materials will have to be inspected as well. It will be necessary to make decisions and solve problems after analyzing information, hence the need to be mathematically inclined or logicall accurate.

Communication with subordinates, peers, and supervisors will be necessary, which could be via speech, email, writing, or telephone. It will also be necessary to impart knowledge to others, which could be as formalized as developing training programs.