Kitchen Utility Associate

Ōnin Staffing; Lexington (NC); On-site; USD 31,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Overtime opportunities

Health benefits after 30 days

Free telehealth services

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Vacation and holiday pay

Employee discount program

Contract-to-Hire opportunity

Job summary

Premier Candy Manufacturer in Lexington, NC is seeking a Kitchen Utility Associate to support kitchen and production operations. This role involves operating candy equipment, transferring batches, and maintaining cleanliness to ensure top-quality products.

The position offers a 2nd shift from 4:30 PM to 2:30 AM, with overtime during peak season, weekly pay, and a comprehensive benefits package after 30 days. This is a contract-to-hire opportunity with a team-oriented culture.

Qualifications

• High physical endurance to stand for long periods.
• Manual dexterity and strength for repetitive tasks.
• Ability to frequently lift 10 lb portions and push/pull carts.
• Basic math for measuring color powders and liquids.
• Strong attention to color accuracy and product quality.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Safety-conscious with GMPs, PPE, PPS requirements.
• Willingness to learn and work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen and production operations with flexible, cross-functional tasks.
• Operate the drum machine to pull candy into batch sizes.
• Load candy batches onto carts and transfer materials to production lines.
• Move 10-pound portions and return carts to staging areas.
• Knead color powders/liquids by hand for even distribution.
• Monitor candy temperature, texture, color, and quality.
• Assist in unloading batches and daily sanitation of work areas.
• Maintain clean, organized spaces complying with food safety standards.
• Follow GMPs, PPE, and PPS requirements.
• Assist in training teammates on kneading techniques and material handling.

Job description

Join a premier candy manufacturer in Lexington, NC, as a Kitchen Utility Associate and play a key role in crafting quality sweet treats while building valuable skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Steady Pay: $17.00/hour
• 2nd Shift: 4:30 PM – 2:30 AM (10 hour shifts, Monday to Saturday with lots of overtime during this peak season)
• Holiday Shutdowns: Typically shutdown for Thanksgiving and from Christmas through New Year's
• Rewards Program: Offers a chance to win a $25 gift card or $150 for Employee of the Month
• Paid Weekly: Get paid your way—direct deposit or pay card options
• Affordable Health Benefits After 30 Days: $5 copays, $5 prescriptions, and FREE telehealth services for you and your family!
• Award-Winning Culture: SIA Best Staffing Firm to Work For winner—investing in your success with great benefits, growth opportunities, and a people-first culture.
• Contract-to-Hire Opportunity: NO temps here—with Ōnin, you are a Teammate from day one! Whether your journey with us lasts two days or two years, we value your contribution.

What You’ll Do as a Kitchen Utility Associate:

• Support overall kitchen and production operations by performing flexible, cross-functional responsibilities across the floor.
• Operate the drum machine to pull soft candy from the belt into designated batch sizes.
• Load candy batches onto carts and transfer materials accurately to the correct production lines and batch tables.
• Pull and transport 10-pound portions of soft candy to the stripe table and return empty or used carts to staging areas.
• Accurately knead pre-measured colored powders and liquids into soft candy by hand for even color distribution.
• Monitor candy consistency, temperature, texture, and visual color accuracy to ensure product quality.
• Assist in unloading candy batches onto production equipment and perform daily sanitation of stripe tables and tools.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas around drum and batch staging spaces to comply with food safety standards.
• Strictly follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Personal Production Safety (PPS) requirements.
• Assist in training team members on kneading techniques, color measurements, and material handling procedures.

Skills and Experience

What You’ll Bring as a Preferred Candidate:

• High physical endurance, with the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for up to 10 hours in a warm, fast-paced environment.
• Manual dexterity and hand/upper-body strength needed for repetitive kneading, pulling, and handling of sticky materials.
• Physical ability to repeatedly lift and carry 10-lb portions of candy and push/pull batch carts throughout the shift.
• Basic math skills for accurately measuring and adjusting color powder and liquid formulas.
• Strong visual awareness for defect detection, color accuracy, and overall product consistency.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality record.
• Strong situational awareness and safety vigilance to maintain a safe working environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset, willingness to learn, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Don't miss this chance to enhance your experience in a manufacturing environment while enjoying competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

• Weekly pay
• $5 doctor's visit copays
• Free teledoctor service
• Free counseling services
• Life insurance included
• Vision insurance included
• Dental insurance included
• Vacation and holiday pay
• Free legal services
• Our unbeatable employee discount program

Other similar jobs that might interest you