Production Lead - 2nd Shift

Kerry; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 33,062 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Kerry is hiring a Production Lead for the Owatonna, MN facility to oversee mixing, agglomeration, and sterilization steps in the manufacturing line. The role focuses on following customer formulas, maintaining batch integrity, and ensuring sterility throughout the process.

The position runs on the 4:00 PM–2:30 AM shift, with overtime potential. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, plus 1 year in food or chemical manufacturing. SAP and MS Office proficiency are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree preferred.
• 1 year of food or chemical manufacturing experience ideal.
• Must be self-motivated and conscientious.
• Ability to work well with a team or other coworkers.
• Ability to complete requirements of Certified Processor.
• Able to operate and clean 3 systems and follow GMPs and Food Safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Mixing and blending batches according to customer formulas, verifying ingredients and amounts added.
• Record data correctly in batch sheets.
• Verify ingredient lot numbers and quantities before use.
• Monitor process controls, sign charts, and record parameters hourly.
• Report mechanical issues to Maintenance or Production Supervisor.

Skills

Self-motivated

Conscientious

Teamwork

Problem solving

Training others

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree preferred

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Requisition ID

63185

Position Type

(US) Full Time

Where You'll Work

Owatonna, MN location is part of our Dry Beverage Division specializing in agglomeration and/or coating of nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients in dietary supplements and drinks. The site has approximately 50 employees who contribute to product formulations, ingredient processing, and particle coating solutions within the food, beverage and nutraceutical ingredient industries. We are hiring career‑minded people to help meet growing demands for quality ingredients.

What You'll Do

The Production Lead is responsible for ensuring preparation, mix and agglomeration is completed according to the customers’ instructions. The position is also responsible for sterilizing raw product using the processing unit and ensuring the purity of the product to and from the filler. The process operator must operate all processing equipment and assist and help problem solve/escalate any issues which occur inside the blend areas.

Key Job Functions & Responsibilities Include

• Mixing and blending batches according to customer formulas, verifying each ingredient and amount that has been added to the batch.
• Recording all data correctly to the batch sheet.
• Verifying ingredient lot numbers and quantities prior to their use.
• Continuously monitoring all process controls and documentation, signing charts and recording processor parameters every hour to ensure a quality product that meets customer standards and taking immediate action on any out‑of‑spec condition.
• Monitoring the system for any issues that may affect sterility and reporting immediately to the Maintenance Department or the Production Supervisor any mechanical issues that may impact the performance of the processor.

Second Shift Position Works From 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM, Monday – Thursday with Overtime Optional.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• High School graduate or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• 1 year of food or chemical manufacturing experience ideal.
• Must be self‑motivated and conscientious.
• Ability to work well with a team or other coworkers.
• Ability to complete requirements of Certified Processor.
• Achieve competency in operating and cleaning 3 systems, including:
  • Must follow and comply with GMPs and Food Safety policies.
  • Demonstrates excellent problem‑solving skills.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Maintain a good attendance record and availability for overtime (less than 2.5 points).
• 6 months prior lift truck operation and safety certification.
• Use of MS products required; SAP software preferred.

What Kerry Offers You

The pay range for this position is $23.50 – $26.00 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

$3,000 Sign‑On Bonus for This Position!

This job posting is anticipated to expire on July 6, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non‑Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilize video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.