Processing Operator- Week Day

Utz Quality Foods, Inc; Hanover (York County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

401k match

Profit sharing plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Utz Quality Foods, Inc in Hanover, PA, is seeking a Processing Operator to set up and monitor extrusion and other processing equipment to produce cheese curls and cheese balls. This hands-on role offers ownership of the production process in a fast-paced environment.

You will work Monday through Thursday from early morning hours, lift up to 70 lbs, and collaborate with QA for product quality. Training on multiple machines is provided to support growth within a leading snack manufacturer.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or processing environment preferred.
• Able to operate and monitor production equipment.
• Willingness to train on multiple processing machines.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor extrusion and other processing equipment for cheese curls and cheese balls.
• Monitor production and adjust as needed to keep lines running smoothly.
• Perform quality checks with QA team to ensure product standards.
• Retrieve, stage, and prepare raw materials for production.
• Complete production logs and material usage records accurately.
• Clean and sanitize equipment per procedures and schedules.
• Communicate with team to maintain consistent production flow.
• Train and support new or junior team members.
• Follow safety, food safety, and quality procedures and report concerns.
• Maintain a clean work area and participate in sanitation tasks.
• Operate forklifts and high-reach equipment as required.
• Perform other duties to support the team.

Skills

Machine operation

Forklift operation

Quality checks

Production records

Tools

Forklift equipment

Processing machinery

Job description

Looking for a hands‑on manufacturing role where you can build your skills, take ownership of the production process, and enjoy a 4-day workweek?

Utz Quality Foods is looking for a dependable and motivated Processing Operator to join our Week Day Shift team in Hanover, PA. In this role, you’ll play an important part in making some of our most recognizable snacks by operating and monitoring the equipment used to produce our cheese curls and cheese balls.

If you enjoy working with equipment, solving problems, and being part of a fast‑paced production team, this could be a great opportunity to grow your career with Utz.

Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, and monitor extruders and other processing equipment used to produce cheese curls and cheese balls.
• Keep production running smoothly by monitoring equipment and making adjustments as needed.
• Partner with the Quality Assurance team to complete quality checks and ensure products meet our standards.
• Retrieve, stage, and prepare raw materials needed for production.
• Accurately complete production logs, records, and component usage entries.
• Clean and sanitize processing equipment according to established procedures and sanitation schedules.
• Communicate with processing and packaging team members to maintain a consistent production flow.
• Help train and support new or less experienced team members.
• Follow all safety, food safety, and quality procedures and report concerns when identified.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and participate in daily housekeeping and sanitation.
• Operate forklifts and high‑reach equipment as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and production needs.

Requirements:

• Ability to work Monday through Thursday from 5:55 AM-5:55 OM.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and around production equipment.
• Ability to safely lift and handle materials weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Willingness to work around hot water, cleaning chemicals, and wet or slippery floors.
• Ability to follow written procedures, safety requirements, and food quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately complete production records.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn multiple pieces of processing equipment and take on additional responsibilities.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate forklifts and high‑reach equipment.
• Previous manufacturing, machine operation, food production, or processing experience is a plus.

External Recruitment Process

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

• medical plans
• dental plans
• vision plans
• an employer match 401k
• profit sharing plan
• employee stock purchase plan and much more

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our full-time benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure‑play U.S. snacking company of scale!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.