Production Associate

Position Summary

The Production Associate I is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and quality-focused production of food products. As a member of the production team, this role contributes to achieving daily production goals while maintaining compliance with food safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and company policies. Associates work collaboratively to ensure products meet customer specifications and are packaged, labeled, and shipped accurately.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all plant safety policies, GMP requirements, food safety procedures, and company standards.
• Actively participate in creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Immediately report safety concerns, hazards, incidents, or potential risks to appropriate leadership and take corrective action when authorized.
• Participate in safety inspections, audits, improvement initiatives, and team meetings throughout the facility.
• Maintain compliance with all quality, food safety, and sanitation requirements.

Production Operations

• Perform production duties across multiple manufacturing and packaging lines, including roles such as trayer, molder, counter, and packer.
• Assist with operating production equipment and perform minor adjustments to molding, forming, conveying, and packaging systems as needed.
• Support mixing and equipment operations as a helper when assigned.
• Follow standard operating procedures to ensure efficient production flow and product consistency.
• Complete required production documentation accurately and timely.

Packaging & Quality

• Package products according to established specifications and customer requirements.
• Operate and set up scales, palletizers, box erectors, and box taping equipment.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and minor equipment adjustments to support production efficiency.
• Ensure all products meet quality standards, including proper labeling, packaging, sealing, and palletizing.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns promptly and assist with corrective actions.
• Perform product rework, recasing, and repackaging activities as assigned.

Material Handling

• Safely move materials and finished goods using electric pallet jacks and manual pallet jacks.
• Push, pull, lift, and transport product and packaging materials throughout the production area.
• Maintain organized work areas to support safe and efficient operations.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Communicate effectively with team members and leadership regarding safety, quality, production, and operational issues.
• Participate in process improvement activities, team meetings, and plant initiatives.
• Support operational excellence by following standard work practices and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Shift Lead or Supervisor.

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing, production, warehouse, packaging, logistics, or a related industrial environment preferred, but not required.
• Willingness to learn and successfully perform multiple production and packaging functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic computer, tablet, and data entry skills for completing production, quality, and safety documentation.
• Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors and team members regarding safety, quality, production, and operational concerns.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform accurate counts, inspections, and product verification activities.
• Ability to follow written procedures, visual work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to read, understand, and comply with safety policies, GMP requirements, food safety standards, and operating instructions.
• Demonstrated commitment to product quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to cross-train and perform a variety of production, packaging, sanitation, and material-handling tasks.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP principles, food safety requirements, and workplace safety standards is preferred.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive motions throughout a scheduled shift.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate manual and electric pallet jacks following training and certification requirements.
• Ability to work in manufacturing environments with varying temperatures, including hot and cold conditions.
• Ability to work in areas with elevated noise levels while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection.
• Ability to work around common food ingredients, allergens, spices, and food processing materials as part of daily operations.
• Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, and approved cleaning and sanitation chemicals.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or different shifts as business needs require.

Preferred Attributes

• Positive attitude, reliability, and strong attendance record.
• Commitment to teamwork, accountability, and workplace safety.
• Continuous learning mindset with a desire to develop equipment ownership and operational skills.
• Willingness to participate in TPM, Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.