Production Associate - Third Shift

Ditsch USA; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 23,915 - 27,069; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Match

Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays

Job summary

Ditsch USA in Cincinnati seeks a Production Associate to ensure safe and efficient packaging of materials for shipment. This role demands adherence to safety protocols and is essential for achieving production goals daily.

Successful candidates will demonstrate mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to maintaining high safety standards. A high school diploma and experience in food manufacturing are preferred. Ditsch USA offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret production documents in English.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safety protocols and maintain safety standards.
• Pack, weigh, and label completed items for shipment.
• Conduct quality control checks and report issues.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Basic math skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Pallet jacks

Metal detectors

Label machine

Job description

Production Associate

Department: Production
Reports to: Shift Supervisor
Starting at: $17.36 - $19.65
Shift & Time: Example: 3rd Shift (10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.) 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!

As a Production Associate, you will be responsible for the proper packaging of materials and finished products for shipment, and for moving materials. Your role is pivotal in facilitating the achievement of plant goals of safety, food safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity while leading the charge toward meeting our production goals daily.

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.
• 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, & supplies into production equipment following proper safety, quality & operating procedures.
• Handle materials & products using pallet jacks or other material handling equipment, and perform loading, unloading, and maintenance of 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.
• Basic math skills and ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Prior proficiency in equipment use and operation.

Education & Experience

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

Physical Requirements

• Working conditions normal for a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to adjust or move objects of varying weights up to 50 lbs. in all directions.
• Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Hear sounds and recognize differences between them.
• Ability to withstand various climates through the facility (as low as –15° to 110°).
• Ability to work in an environment with flashing lights, horns, and powered moving equipment operating in proximity.
• Movement to accomplish tasks or move from one worksite to another.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and/or remaining in a stationary position.
• Ability to move self in 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

• 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
• 401(k) 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, and 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.

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.