Production Associate - Fresh Kitchen (Refrigerated/Overnight)

Ukrops Homestyle Foods; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for multiple full-time Production Associates to join their Fresh Kitchen team. This exciting entry-level position involves a variety of tasks, including assembling, packaging, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Ideal candidates should have a passion for food, be team-oriented, and possess strong communication skills. The role requires flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work overnight shifts. With a commitment to quality and safety, this company offers a supportive environment where you can grow your culinary skills and contribute to delicious food production.

Benefits

Affordable Healthcare

Company-sponsored Life Insurance

Short Term/Long Term Disability

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Birthday PTO

Associate Referral Bonus

Shift Differential

Competitive Salary

Qualifications

• Entry-level position requiring teamwork and communication skills.
• Knowledge of sanitation and food safety principles is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, scale, and sort products for cooking or packaging.
• Operate cooking and packaging equipment while maintaining cleanliness.
• Support food safety and accident prevention initiatives.

Skills

Team Player

Communication Skills

Sanitation Knowledge

Food Safety Knowledge

Basic Arithmetic

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Industrial Cooking Equipment

Packaging Equipment

Job description

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. This position is specifically for overnight (5pm- 3am); occasional overtime and holiday shifts are required during holiday peaks. Our first shift is unique as it is an overnight position, and it is where our production begins.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Specialist I is an entry-level full-time position that performs a variety of basic duties within our manufacturing facility. Duties include, but are not limited to, cleaning, cutting, prepping, scaling, or cooking, as well as assembling, packaging, and/or shipping finished products. A successful candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule and adhere to the posted schedule. Must be a team player and self-motivated, with the ability to effectively communicate with supervisors and coworkers, and knowledgeable in the principles of sanitation and food safety. Candidates must have a love for cooking and working with food.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Depending upon the department assigned, assemble, scale, and sort raw intermediate or finished products in preparation for cooking or mixing or the packaging of products sold at our retail grocery stores.
• Depending on the department assigned, operate mixing, dicing, packaging, and industrial cooking equipment and cleaning of equipment.
• Inspect and label product as necessary or required.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Open to learning new procedures and job functions.
• Support GFSI and FSMA. Assist in ensuring that the SQF system is in place and that we follow all aspects of HACCP plan, SSOPs, and GMPs throughout the plant. Report all food safety issues to an immediate supervisor.
• Support an accident-free work culture. When developing or modifying production processes, assist in accident prevention and risk identification. Collaborate with HR/Safety Manager to minimize risk exposure from ingredient, equipment, or ergonomics.

Minimum Physical Requirements:

• The position responsibilities frequently require:
• Reading, comprehending, and following verbal and written instructions.
• Performing basic arithmetic to execute duties described above (measuring, following recipes).
• The physical demands of the position frequently include:
• Standing and/or walking for a minimum of four hours.
• Repetitive bending, reaching, stooping, pushing, pulling, and lifting product weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to variations in temperature caused by equipment or department (Refrigerated (38 degrees) and warm working environments (up to 75 degrees)).

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred, not required.
• Six to twelve (6-12) months of food service or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Food handling and production experience helpful.
• Position is available to cooking/culinary apprentices with a proven interest to learn.

Benefits:

As a full-time associate with Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, you will be offered the following:

• Affordable healthcare upon eligibility.
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance.
• Short Term/Long Term Disability.
• Company 401(k) upon eligibility.
• Paid Time Off.
• Birthday PTO.
• Associate Referral Bonus.
• Shift Differential on eligible shifts.
• Competitive Salary.
• and more.

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.