Associate, Production (PM Shift - WED to SAT)

Thistle; Burlington (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Thistle in New Jersey is seeking an Associate, Production to help plate, pack, and prepare ready-to-eat meals for delivery. You will support a fast-paced, quality-driven facility and ensure products meet presentation and weight standards.

This role requires a high school diploma, 2+ years of manufacturing experience (food preferred), flexibility for weekends and early shifts, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. You will work in a refrigerated environment and help maintain Thistle’s quality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Willing to work weekends and early mornings.
• Punctuality and strong attendance.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Stand or sit for extended periods and work in a refrigerated environment.
• Proficient in process control documentation (meal weights, label verification, portion control).
• Serve as the first and end‑of‑line quality checkpoint.
• Obtain state Food Handlers Certification within 30 days of starting.

Responsibilities

• Plate a variety of ready-to-eat meals meeting Thistle's standards.
• Pack meals accurately into bags or boxes for delivery.
• Perform quality checks before shipment.
• Work efficiently to meet production schedules.
• Collaborate with the production team to maintain a smooth workflow.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Food manufacturing experience

Attention to detail

Flexibility for weekends/early shifts

Punctuality and attendance

Heavy lifting

Refrigerated environment

Process documentation

Quality checkpoint

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

TITLE: Associate, Production DEPARTMENT: Production REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Production WHO WE ARE: Thistle makes it easy to eat well – without overthinking it. Thistle was founded in 2013 with a mission to help people get and stay healthy while improving the sustainability of our food system. Thistle delivers fully prepared, healthy‑by‑default meals, snacks, desserts, and organic cold‑pressed juices. We believe the health of people starts with eating real, whole foods, in the right balance, without the friction. We’re building a future where nutritious, sustainable food is accessible, craveable, and part of everyday life.

About The Role

As a Production Associate at Thistle, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our ready‑to‑eat meals and products are meticulously plated, packed, and prepared for delivery to our valued customers. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, efficiency, and a commitment to maintaining Thistle's high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Plating Excellence: Carefully plate a variety of Thistle's ready‑to‑eat meals, ensuring each dish meets our presentation standards and quality benchmarks.
• Accurate Packing: Pack meals and products into customer bags or boxes with precision, guaranteeing that all items are correctly included and protected for delivery.
• Quality Control: Perform thorough quality checks on all meals and products to ensure they meet Thistle’s rigorous standards before they leave the facility.
• Efficiency: Work swiftly and effectively to meet production schedules, ensuring timely preparation and packaging of all customer orders.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the production team to streamline processes and maintain a cohesive, efficient workflow.

Qualifications

Who You Are

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess 2+ years of manufacturing experience, with a preference for food manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including availability for weekends and early mornings.
• Exhibit punctuality, consistent attendance, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Capable of moving, lifting, carrying, pulling, or pushing objects up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Able to stand or sit for extended periods, with the ability to stoop, kneel, bend, and reach.
• Comfortable working consistently in a refrigerated environment.
• Proficient in completing process control documentation, including meal weights, label verification, meal specifications, and portion control.
• Serve as the first and end‑of‑line checkpoint, understanding Quality Control station functions.
• Obtain state‑designated or equivalent Food Handlers Certification within 30 days of starting.

Our Culture

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential values at Thistle. We know we do our best and most impactful work when we feel represented and belong. We're proud to actively recruit and hire talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”), including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, color, hairstyles, hair texture, religion or religious creed, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran or active military status, marital status, criminal record, genetics, retaliation, sexual harassment or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.