Plant Operator

Kerry; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with match

Employee Share Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Kerry in Rhinelander, WI is hiring a Production Operator to run manufacturing equipment, perform routine maintenance, and document production activities in a fast-paced environment.

This role supports the Smoke and Grill Division with hands-on responsibilities and safety‑driven processes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to operate and understand computer hardware and software related to automated equipment and process controls.
• Mechanical aptitude with ability to perform basic troubleshooting and routine equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production equipment in accordance with safety, quality, and production standards.
• Control processes using automated systems to maintain product specifications.
• Accurately complete production and operational documentation.
• Handle and move product, including loading operations and use of material handling equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Skills

Forklift operation

Pallet jack operation

Process control software

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition ID 66272

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

Join Us at the Job Fair on Tueday, August 11, 2026 - See for Yourself!

Our Rhinelander, WI location is part of our Smoke and Grill Division and nestled in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. We start with burning a variety of wood types to create liquid smoke flavors for some of your favorite BBQ sauces, dry rubs, and many other foods! If you like the smell of camp-fires and working with a close-knit group that makes a big impact, we may be the place for you!

What You'll Do

As a Production Operator, you'll run manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently to meet production, quality, and safety standards. This role requires hands‑on operation, following complex processes, routine maintenance, quality checks, and accurate documentation while working in a fast ‑ paced manufacturing environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production equipment in accordance with safety, quality, and production standards
• Control processes using automated systems to maintain product specifications
• Accurately complete production and operational documentation
• Handle and move product, including loading operations and use of material handling equipment
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment

Work Environment may include

• Temperatures averaging 90°F
• High humidity (up to 100%)
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators

What You'll Need to Succeed

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Ability to operate and understand computer hardware and software related to automated equipment and process controls
• Ability to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment within established procedures
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and routine equipment maintenance
• Ability to accurately complete production, quality, and equipment documentation
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, spotting tractors, and pallet jacks (training provided if needed)
• Availability to work to work a 12 ‑ hour shift on a 4 ‑ on/4-off, rotating schedule
• Ability to work in manufacturing environments with elevated temperatures (average 90+ degrees) and high humidity
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, for extended periods when necessary
• Ability to follow all safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures

What We Offer

The pay rate for this position is $21.86 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 10, 2026.

This Union location offers a pay increase based on skills development in 90 days!

Schedule Four (4) consecutive days, twelve (12) hours per day, followed by Four (4) consecutive days off.

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.

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).