Production Operative

Vacancies.kerry.com

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Until 10/3/2026 First posted August 4, 2026 Last posted August 4, 2026
Job description

​Requisition ID: 66163 
Position Type:
(US)Full Time 
Workplace Arrangement:  
#LI-Onsite 

We Are Kerry:

 

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Why Join Our Team:

 

Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, our Manitowoc, WI facility is part of Kerry's Smoke & Grill Division, producing natural smoke ingredients for customers around the world. You'll work in a modern manufacturing facility alongside a team that values safety, collaboration, and continuous learning. Through structured training, supportive leadership, employee engagement programs, volunteer opportunities, and a strong team culture, you'll have the chance to build a rewarding career in manufacturing.

What We Offer:

 

The pay rate for this position is $22.00 per hour.  Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance.  This job posting is anticipated to expire on August 24, 2026.

 

Schedule: 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM, rotating 4 days on / 4 days off, providing an excellent balance between work and personal time.

 

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

What You'll Do:

 

As a Production Operator in Smoke and Grill Ingredient Manufacturing, you'll join a fast‑paced, production team where safety, quality, and teamwork matter. As a Production Operator, you’ll run and monitor production equipment keeping lines moving efficiently while meeting Kerry’s high standards. This may include setting up equipment, monitoring quality, troubleshooting minor issues, supporting changeovers, and keeping your work area clean and organized. This is a hands‑on role for someone who likes working with machines, solving problems, and being part of a team that produces high‑quality products every day.  Your key responsibilities will include:

 
  • Operating equipment, automated machines and production activities to ensure efficient workflow.
  • Following all safety, quality, food safety, and company policies and procedures.
  • Fill, receive, move, and record materials throughout the facility.
  • Monitor, measure, weigh and load raqw ingredients based on custoem specifications.
  • Operate forklifts and/or EPJ's to move materials and organize inventory.
  • Support material rework activities by transferring products between containers and processing tanks.
  • Visually inspect containers and tanks for cleanliness and readiness before use.
  • Monitor the production floor and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment throughout the shift.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor.
 
This position is based in a manufacturing environment and may involve:
  • Working in hot or varied temperatures (well ventalated)
  • Exposure to chemicals, fumes, and smoke-related manufacturing processes.
  • Working around elevated platforms, tanks, and industrial equipment.
  • Exposure to loud noise and operating machinery.
  • Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Standing and walking for extended periods.
  • Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and climbing stairs
  • Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.

What We Look For:

 

    • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
    • Manufacturing, food production, warehouse, logistics, or industrial experience preferred.
    • Forklift experience or the ability to become forklift certified.
    • Basic computer skills; experience with Microsoft Office and SAP is a plus.
    • Ability to work a rotating 4-on / 4-off, 12-hour shift schedule (overnight shift)
    • Strong attention to safety, quality, and teamwork.Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
    • Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
    • Ability to work in an environment with the smell of smoke (similar to a campfire).
    • Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or food safety systems is beneficial.

​Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).                              

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.      

Recruiter:  
Posting Type:
DNI

About this role

Summary

Operate and monitor production equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Job title

Production Operative

Experience level

none

Industry

food production

Location requirements

Onsite in Manitowoc, WI, no remote work allowed.

Salary

$22.00 per hour

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

high school diploma or GEDforklift experience or certificationbasic computer skillssafety awarenessteamwork

Preferred skills

GMPHACCPSAPmechanical aptitudeproblem-solving

Specializations

equipment operationquality monitoringsafety proceduresmaterial handlingindustrial equipment
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Manitowoc, WI 54220, USA

On-site City