Production Associate - Fresh Kitchen (Refrigerated)

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods, LLC; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for enthusiastic Production Associates to join their Fresh Kitchen team. This full-time role offers a chance to work in a dynamic environment where you will engage in various food production tasks, from assembling to packaging. Ideal candidates are flexible, team-oriented, and have a passion for food. With opportunities for growth and a supportive culture, this position is perfect for those eager to learn and contribute to a vibrant kitchen atmosphere. Join a company that values your dedication and offers competitive benefits!

Benefits

Affordable Healthcare

Company-Sponsored Life Insurance

Short and Long-Term Disability

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Birthday PTO

Referral Bonuses

Shift Differentials

Competitive Salary

Qualifications

• Entry-level role performing basic duties in a manufacturing facility.
• Knowledgeable about sanitation and food safety principles.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, scale, and sort products for cooking and packaging.
• Operate and clean industrial cooking and packaging equipment.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Skills

Food Safety Knowledge

Teamwork

Communication Skills

Flexibility

Basic Arithmetic

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Industrial Cooking Equipment

Packaging Equipment

Job description

Join to apply for the Production Associate - Fresh Kitchen (Refrigerated) role at Ukrop's Homestyle Foods, LLC

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is seeking to hire multiple full-time Production Associates (Manufacturing Specialists I) for our Fresh Kitchen located at 600-A Southlake Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23236. These positions are available for various schedules on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts, with occasional overtime and holiday shifts required during peak seasons.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Specialist I is an entry-level, full-time role that performs basic duties within our manufacturing facility, including cleaning, cutting, prepping, scaling, cooking, assembling, packaging, and shipping finished products. Candidates must be flexible with their schedules, team players, self-motivated, able to communicate effectively, and knowledgeable about sanitation and food safety principles. A passion for cooking and working with food is preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assemble, scale, and sort raw, intermediate, or finished products for cooking, mixing, or packaging.
• Operate mixing, dicing, packaging, and industrial cooking equipment; clean equipment.
• Inspect and label products as necessary.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Learn new procedures and job functions.
• Support GFSI and FSMA compliance, including SQF, HACCP, SSOPs, and GMPs, reporting issues to supervisors.
• Promote an accident-free culture, assist in risk identification, and collaborate with HR/Safety teams to minimize risks.

Minimum Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions.
• Perform basic arithmetic (measuring, following recipes).
• Stand and walk for at least four hours.
• Repetitive bending, reaching, stooping, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Work in refrigerated (38°F) and warm environments (up to 75°F).

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• 6-12 months of food service or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in food handling and production is helpful.
• Culinary apprentices with a strong interest in learning are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Affordable healthcare upon eligibility.
• Company-sponsored life insurance.
• Short and long-term disability.
• 401(k) plan upon eligibility.
• Paid time off and birthday PTO.
• Referral bonuses.
• Shift differentials on eligible shifts.
• Competitive salary and more.

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.