Production Associate - First Shift

Ditsch USA; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Life insurance: $25,000

FSA/HSA options

Voluntary life/AD&D/Disability

401k with match

PTO & Holidays

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Ditsch USA in Cincinnati, OH is seeking a Production Associate to package materials and finished products for shipment, and to move materials through production lines. The role emphasizes following GMPs, food safety standards, and maintaining high quality and efficiency on the plant floor.

The position requires attention to detail, strong English communication, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Read, analyze, and interpret English-language documents related to production.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient understanding of production procedures and equipment.
• Commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety protocols and PPE usage; participate in safety programs.
• Handle, package, and label materials for shipment per instructions.
• Operate production equipment such as metal detectors, tape, and label machines.
• Follow GMP and SQF policies and procedures.
• Perform quality checks for damage, seals, labels, and weights.

Skills

English proficiency

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Safety standards

Team communication

Quality focus

Weekend availability

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Pallet jack operation

Equipment operation

Job description

Production Associate

Department: Production

Reports to: Shift Supervisor

Pay Range: $18-$20 per hour

Shift & Time: / 1st Shift: (6:00am – 2:00pm) Weekends as needed.

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

DITSCH USA creates memorable pretzel experiences! We bake artisan pretzels available for both food service and retail markets. As a leading producer of pretzels, we are committed to freshness and providing clean-label products. The quality of our irresistible products comes from more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in the ART OF PRETZEL MAKING!

Production Associate

Department: Production

Reports to: Shift Supervisor

Pay Range: $18-$20 per hour

Shift & Time: / 1st Shift: (6:00am – 2:00pm) Weekends as needed.

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

DITSCH USA creates memorable pretzel experiences! We bake artisan pretzels available for both food service and retail markets. As a leading producer of pretzels, we are committed to freshness and providing clean-label products. The quality of our irresistible products comes from more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in the ART OF PRETZEL MAKING!

We seek those who want to learn and grow within our organization. Ditsch USA offers development options to add to your skill set and open new opportunities for you within our organization. At Ditsch USA you will find a welcoming, safe, and team-orientated environment.

As a Production Associate, you'll be responsible for proper packaging of materials and finished products for shipment and be responsible for moving materials. Your role is pivotal in facilitating and achieving plant goals of safety, food safety, quality, efficiency and productivity, while leading the charge toward meeting our production goals daily. A Production Associate might be weighing/scaling material, packaging material, or supplying our lines with product and will follow good manufacturing practices critical to food safety and to their team.

Responsibilities

• Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including the proper use, maintenance, and storage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Participate actively in safety programs, training sessions, and periodic safety reviews to identify and mitigate potential workplace hazards. Ensure compliance with company and regulatory safety standards at all times.
• Ensure equipment & materials are handled safely & stored correctly to prevent workplace accidents.
• Pack, weigh, and label completed items for shipment per instructions.
• Ability to operate metal detectors, tape machine, and label machine.
• Follow all company guidelines, including GMP’s and SQF policies and procedures
• Conduct quality control checks by inspecting items for damage or defects per specification requirements to include but not limited to seal integrity, label accuracy, lot code, weights, product aesthetics, etc.
• Stage materials at workstations or production lines to ensure smooth workflow and minimal downtime.
• Load raw materials, components, &/or supplies into production equipment following proper safety, quality & operating procedures.
• Handle materials & products using pallet jacks or other material handling equipment as well as loading, unloading and maintaining equipment.
• Monitor equipment readiness by performing pre-operation inspections, such as checking for proper alignment, lubrication & functionality.
• Identify & resolve minor equipment issues to prevent interruptions in production.
• Report equipment malfunctions or irregularities to the appropriate team member.
• Assist with sanitation as needed to clean and maintain equipment to food manufacturing standards.
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common industry, production, and technical documents in English.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient understanding of production procedures and equipment.
• Commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills within a team environment.
• Proven experience in a fast-paced environment with a focus on quality and safety.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic math skills and ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Prior proficiency in equipment uses and operation.

Education And Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Warehouse or factory experience, packaging goods for shipment.
• Food manufacturing experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment.
• Ability of adjusting or moving objects of varying weights up to 50 lbs. in all directions.
• Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Ability to withstand various climates through the facility i.e. freezer, dock, production (as low as -15 degrees up to 110 degrees)
• Ability to work in an environment with flashing lights, horns, and powered moving equipment operating in proximity.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and/or remaining in a stationary position and often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to move self into different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and/or confined spaces.
• Must be physically able to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, ramps, poles and scaffolding.
• Excellent hand/eye coordination.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Adaptability to work in diverse environments and surfaces.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs and maintain a clean work environment.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
• Stand and move around the manufacturing floor for up to 8 hours.
• Capability to stand, walk, squat, and perform repetitive tasks.

What We Offer You (perks, Bonuses, Benefits)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Automatic, FREE $25,000 life insurance policy
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Additional voluntary life, AD&D, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability
• 401k Retirement Plan with Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
• Ongoing training and development

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The physical requirements are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

For more information, visit www.ditsch.com/en

Ditsch USA, is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.