1st Shift | Production Associate

Central Garden & Pet Company; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company seeks a Production Associate for the 1st shift at the Sanford, NC location. This role requires frequent lifting and physical work to maintain production pace while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will rotate between tasks, learn machine operations, and support team goals in a fast-paced environment. Weekend work may be required to meet deadlines and staffing needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Able to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work extended hours, overtime, and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform continuous physical labor including lifting heavy products on the shift.
• Cross-train and take on other positions within the department.
• Communicate and understand directions with the team.
• Maintain attention to detail and safety procedures.
• Learn machine operating and safety procedures.
• Rotate between tasks to meet production needs.
• Train new coworkers on the line as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Safety and Quality standards.
• Report mechanical problems or unsafe conditions to supervisor.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Scanner

Job description

Location: Sanford, NC, United States
Date Posted: Oct 8, 2026
Job ID: JV-2603

GENERAL SUMMARY:

At Central Home Brands, we are seeking a Production Associate for our 1st Shift at our Sanford, NC location. This role is critical to maintaining our high standards in production and ensuring our products meet quality and safety standards. As part of our team, you will be responsible for various tasks in the operations in a fast-paced environment, working with a team to meet tight schedules and deadlines in a safe and efficient manner. This is a physically demanding position that requires frequent lifting, moving, and handling of heavy products throughout the shift, as well as schedule flexibility to support business needs, including weekends when required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform continuous physical labor, including frequent walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, climbing, reaching, and moving of heavy products throughout the shift.
• Ability to cross train and take on other positions within the department when needed.
• Ability to communicate and understand directions.
• Ability to perform duties with attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and understand machine operating and safety procedures.
• Willingness to learn and work to the best of your abilities.
• Ability to rotate positions between various tasks in a timely manner.
• Multitask and prioritize work in an effective way.
• Ability to work closely with other team members on the production line or in the designated work area, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
• Help to train new co-workers on the line or area as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all Safety and Quality standards, processes, procedures.
• Report any mechanical problems and unsafe conditions or practices to your supervisor immediately
• Keep area clean and well organized.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support all areas of the operation.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, and move products weighing up to 50 lbs. independently occasionally. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, stoop, climb, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance. Must be willing and able to work extended hours, overtime, and weekends as required by operational needs.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must be willing to use/wear safety equipment provided by the company.
• Must be able to do simple math- adding and subtracting.
• Must learn and understand the quality level involved in the day-to-day tasks.
• Ability to learn and understand SAP/Scanner functions.
• Must be able to handle heavy workflow while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work the regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m (schedules are subject to change based on business needs).
• Candidates must be flexible and available to work overtime and weekends when required.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro ® , Aqueon ® , Cadet ® , C&S ® , Farnam ® , Ferry-Morse ® , Four Paws ® , Kaytee ® , Nylabone ® and Pennington ® , strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.