Production Associate-1st Shift

Children's Factory; Union (MO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 Paid Holidays

Generous PTO Accrual

Paid Parental Leave

Volunteer Time Off

Generous 401(k) Company Match

Educational Assistance

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Children's Factory in Union, MO is seeking a Production Associate for the Cutting & Setup department. You will support the production process, assist with assembly and setup, and help ensure products meet specifications in a fast-paced environment.

This role emphasizes safety, attention to detail, and teamwork. Overtime may be required during peak seasons; weekly pay starts at $16.25 per hour, with opportunities for skill development and career growth within a collaborative manufacturing culture.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in manufacturing or production preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math skills for measurements.
• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Readiness to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate machinery safely under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assembly and production according to established specifications and standards.
• Operate machinery under supervision while following required safety procedures.
• Perform quality control checks to ensure products meet established standards and specifications.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
• Participate in training programs and continuous improvement initiatives to build your skills and knowledge.
• Follow company policies and procedures related to safety, quality, and attendance.
• Adapt to changing priorities and support the production team where needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Communication

Basic math

Flexible hours

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Production Associate – Cutting & Setup

SCHEDULE: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Overtime may be required during busy season.

PAY FREQUENCY: Weekly Pay

SALARY: Starting at $16.25 per hour

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Production Associate in our Cutting & Setup Department, you'll play an important role in the manufacturing process by helping produce the high-quality products that define Children's Factory. Working as part of a collaborative production team, you'll assist with production activities according to established standards and procedures while maintaining our commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, pays close attention to detail, and can follow instructions accurately in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Whether you have previous production experience or are looking to begin a manufacturing career, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to products used by children every day.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

In this role, you'll support the production process and help ensure products are completed according to established specifications and quality standards. Every day, you'll contribute to the success of the team by working safely, maintaining quality, and helping meet production goals.

You'll be trusted to:

• Assist in the assembly and production of goods according to established specifications and standards
• Operate machinery and equipment under supervision while following required safety procedures
• Perform quality control checks to ensure products meet established standards and specifications
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet daily production goals and deadlines
• Participate in training programs and continuous improvement initiatives to build your skills and knowledge
• Follow company policies and procedures related to safety, quality, and attendance
• Adapt to changing priorities and support the production team where needed

This is a role where your reliability, accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality directly contribute to the success of our production operation.

ABOUT YOU:

You're someone who enjoys hands‑on work, follows instructions carefully, and takes pride in doing quality work. You communicate well with others, contribute positively to a team, and are willing to learn and adapt as production needs change.

The ideal candidate will have:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred, but not required
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and procedures
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Basic math skills for measurements and calculations
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Willingness to work flexible hours and adapt to changing priorities
• Familiarity with manufacturing safety procedures and protocols is a plus
• Consistent attendance, including arriving on time and prepared for scheduled shifts, meetings, and appointments

You should also feel comfortable performing the physical requirements of the job, including standing and walking for extended periods, bending, stooping, and reaching; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; using the manual dexterity needed to handle materials and operate machinery; and visually inspecting products and reading instructions or labels.

The position works in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment that may include loud noises, moving machinery, and various production materials. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided.

WHY JOIN US:

Be Part of a Dynamic, Supportive Team

Work alongside dedicated teammates who value collaboration, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Grow Your Career

We support professional development and provide opportunities to learn new skills and advance within our organization.

Make an Impact

Your work will help create innovative products that support learning, creativity, and development for children around the world.

Enjoy Competitive Benefits, Including:

• 12 Paid Holidays – Including Christmas Eve and the Day After Thanksgiving so you can enjoy more time with family
• Generous PTO Accrual – Because work‑life balance matters
• Paid Parental Leave – Support for growing families
• Volunteer Time Off – Give back to the community while getting paid
• Generous 401(k) Company Match – Helping you plan for your future
• Educational Assistance – Invest in your career growth with tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month following your date of hire

WHO WE ARE

It all started with a need: safe, soft play environments for preschoolers didn't exist. From this realization, our founders created the first geometric foam shapes, sewn by a local women's quilting group in the back of an old tavern. What began as a small, family‑driven endeavor grew into a company with a big vision - helping children explore, grow, and learn through purposeful, fun, and imaginative products.

Today, we operate from two facilities in Union, Missouri, employing more than 100 dedicated individuals, many with over 25 years of experience. Their passion and craftsmanship ensure every product meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and care. Rooted in Midwestern values of hard work, collaboration, and family, we're proud to create tools that spark creativity, confidence, and growth for children, caregivers, and educators alike.

Our founders didn't just build a company; they built a community - opening their home to over 30 foster children and inspiring us to do more. Guided by their legacy, we continue to innovate, expanding our impact to foster learning, nurture children, and support those shaping the next generation.

At Children's Factory, we believe the future is built one moment of play at a time. Together, let's create a world where every child can imagine, inspire, and learn.

Children's Factory is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Children's Factory is an Excelligence Company. Excelligence is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees, employment applicants and other covered persons without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, religion or creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws.