Manufacturing Associate

The Wright Group; Plain City (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wright Group in Ohio is seeking a Production Operator 1 to learn and safely operate assigned production processes, including blends, spray dry, and packaging.

You will follow SOPs, GMPs, food safety and safety guidelines, complete batch records, perform basic quality checks, and support plant operations under supervision. This entry‑level role emphasizes hands‑on training, teamwork, and a path to more advanced production roles as proficiency grows.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or 1–2 years of job experience.
• 1–2 years of experience in an industrial production environment preferred.
• Forklift certification required.
• Able to read and comprehend production documents, scales, safety manuals, SOPs in English.
• Willing and able to pass a math and computer skills assessment.
• Willing to work nights, weekends, overtime and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Set up and start mixing tanks, blenders and other production equipment.
• Review and understand all documentation required to produce batches.
• Verify ingredients, lot numbers and quantities for each batch.
• Operate mixers, scales, meters, pumps and forklifts safely.
• Follow laboratory instructions for batch approval and adjustments.
• Perform basic quality checks on product and packaging.
• Follow all SOPs, GMPs and safety requirements.
• Complete pre- and post-operation inspections and report issues.
• Assist with housekeeping and equipment movement as needed.
• May support packaging operations and other areas as required.

Skills

English literacy

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

1–2 years industrial production experience

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Production Operator 1 is responsible for safely and accurately producing finished products according to batch tickets, established procedures, SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, and quality standards. Production Operators may be assigned to Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat, or Rice operations and are responsible for learning and properly performing assigned production processes, operating equipment safely, completing required documentation, maintaining product quality, and supporting efficient plant operations. Production Operator 1 is an entry-level production position and is expected to develop proficiency in assigned processes and equipment while working under the direction and guidance of the Production Lead and experienced production personnel.

Job Responsibilities

Responsible for safely and accurately producing assigned batches while following SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies. Maintains a disciplined and methodical approach to each production lot and is accountable for the quality and results of the products produced. Supports overall plant operations through teamwork, housekeeping, material handling, and assistance in other production areas as needed.

Direct Reports: No direct reports.

Duties and Day-to-Day Responsibilities, but not limited to the following:

• Sets up and starts mixing tanks, blenders, and other assigned production equipment according to established procedures.
• Obtains, reviews, and understands all documentation required to produce assigned batches.
• Verifies that the correct ingredients, materials, lot numbers, and quantities are used for each batch.
• Operates mixers, scales, meters, pumps, forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other equipment safely and properly.
• Follows laboratory instructions regarding batch approval, adjustments, and additional production requirements.
• Performs basic quality control checks, including measuring, weighing, sealing, package counts, and evaluating product and package appearance.
• Follows all SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies.
• Performs required pre-operation and post-operation inspections and reports abnormalities or concerns.
• Performs housekeeping duties in assigned areas and assists with housekeeping in other areas of the plant as needed.
• Uses forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment to move empty pallets, bags, ingredients, and other supplies.
• May be assigned to package products and assist with packaging operations as needed.
• Maintains a teamwork-oriented attitude and assists other employees or works in areas outside of the primary assignment when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Training, Education, and Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or one-to-two-year job experience.
• One or more years of experience working in an industrial production environment is strongly preferred.
• Forklift certification required.
• Must be able to read and comprehend production documents, scales, safety manuals, SOPs, and other written materials in English.
• Ability to successfully pass a company-administered mathematics and computer skills assessment for the Production Operator 1 position.
• Must be willing and able to comply with all company safety guidelines and requirements at all times.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays.

Key Metrics

• On-Time Batch Completion: Assignedbatches are completed accurately and within the scheduled production timeframe.
• Batch Documentation Accuracy: 100% of required batch paperwork and documentation is completed accurately, completely, and in a timely manner.
• Critical Control Point (CCP) Compliance: Allrequired CCP checks are completed accurately and documented without issues or omissions.
• First Time Right (FTR) – Production: Batchesare produced correctly the first time without preventable adjustments, rework, waste, or non-conforming product resulting from operator error.
• Pre- and Post-Operation Compliance: Allrequired pre-operation and post-operation checks are completed correctly with no preventable issues.
• Quality Compliance: Nopreventable quality issues resulting from incorrect ingredients, quantities, processing procedures, equipment operation, or failure to follow established instructions.
• Safety and GMP Compliance: Maintainscompliance with company safety requirements, GMPs, food safety procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable
• Training Progress: Completes required training and demonstrates proficiency in assigned production processes and equipment.

Behavior Competencies

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Attendance/Punctuality
- Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Work Environment

• Warehouse and manufacturing environment.
• May be exposed to raw materials, food ingredients, dust, odors, and other manufacturing-related conditions.
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing certain job duties.
• Must be able to safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Must be able to regularly lift and move containers or boxes weighing up to approximately 55 pounds in a repetitive manner.
• Must be able to climb stairs and work while standing for extended periods, approximately 7–8 hours per day.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operation that can run 24/7.
• Job responsibilities may require working variable hours and some weekends.
• May be required to work in other departments as needed.