Production Associate (1st Shift)

Ornua Co-operative Limited; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Ornua Co-operative Limited is seeking a Production Associate (1st Shift) in Hilbert, Wisconsin. The role supports production lines, maintains quality, and adheres to GMP and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will be able to lift up to 60 lbs, stand for long hours, and operate in a temperature-controlled food manufacturing environment. This full-time position offers regular shifts and opportunities for growth within a global dairy company.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs and perform repetitive motions.
• Stand/walk for 10 consecutive hours in a food manufacturing environment.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Basic math skills.
• Willingness to work in a facility with variable temperatures.

Responsibilities

• Flex to multiple areas to fill in as needed.
• Open barrels, blocks, or bags of cheese and other ingredients.
• Weigh ingredients to the specified amount per batch sheets.
• Cut and trim ingredients to correct weights.
• Pack cheese into boxes and send through for taping and boxing.
• Stack packed boxes of cheese onto pallets.
• Load cheese into grinders (heavy lifting).
• Maintain clean and safe work areas.
• Follow Safety, GMP and HACCP practices.

Skills

Legal authorization

Basic math

Manual dexterity

Stamina

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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JOB TITLE : Production Associate (1st Shift)

FUNCTION: Production
REPORTS TO: Production Supervisor
LOCATION: Hilbert, Wisconsin
POSITION TYPE: Full Time
SCHEDULE: M-F 6:00am-2:00pm

Ornua is a leading dairy company and the proud owner of premium dairy brands enjoyed by consumers around the world. With annual revenues exceeding $3.7 billion and a global workforce of approximately 2,800 employees, Ornua operates across 10 business units and 12 production facilities spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.

In North America, Ornua is focused on delivering high-quality dairy products and ingredients to retail, foodservice, and food manufacturing customers. The company supports the growth of globally recognized brands, including Kerrygold, while also providing innovative dairy ingredient solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

Backed by a strong global supply network and deep dairy expertise, Ornua combines the strength of an international organization with a commitment to local markets, customers, and communities. Through its manufacturing facilities, commercial teams, and customer partnerships across the United States and Canada, Ornua continues to drive growth, innovation, and excellence throughout the dairy industry.

At Ornua, our success is built on our people, our values, and our commitment to delivering quality products and exceptional service to customers every day.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

As a production team member you’ll play a key role in maintaining plant efficiency and product quality. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high-quality products enjoyed by consumers around the world.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Flex to multiple areas to fill in as needed
• Open barrels, blocks, or bags of cheese and other ingredients
• Ensure recycling and garbage in the plant are emptied to allow smooth production
• Weigh ingredients to the specified amount per individual batch sheets
• Use knives and wires to cut and trim ingredients to correct weights
• Place bags of cheese into boxes and send through for taping and boxing
• Stack packed boxes of cheese onto pallets
• Transfer ingredients from the scale to pick-up tables
• Load cheese into grinders (heavy lifting required)
• Maintain clean and safe work areas
• Perform additional job duties as required by leadership efficiently and safely.
• Consistent attendance and performance
• Adhere to all Company and Departmental procedures.
• Follow all Safety, Food Safety, GMP and HACCP practices.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to stand/walk for 10 consecutive hours
• Willingness to work in a food manufacturing environment with variable temperatures
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to use hands to grasp, grip and manipulate boxes or product
• Basic math skills

Desired Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Prior food manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats and hairnets.

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information. Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or [e-mail].

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system.

E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Nearest Major Market: Appleton
Nearest Secondary Market: Oshkosh