Production Operative

Kerry; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Employee Share Plan

Life, disability, and accident保险

Job summary

Kerry in Manitowoc, WI is seeking a Production Operator for the Smoke and Grill Ingredient Manufacturing line. You will run and monitor production equipment, ensure safety and quality, and support changeovers in a fast-paced facility.

The role requires hands-on problem solving, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Shifts are 12 hours (6:00 PM–6:00 AM) with a 4-on/4-off schedule; starting wage is $22.00 per hour with potential increases based on experience and performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in manufacturing, food production, or quality environments.
• Physical agility and ability to stand, walk, climb, twist and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work with smell of smoke in environment.
• Reliable attendance is important for team operations.
• Must be self-motivated and conscientious.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team.
• Mechanical aptitude and analytical skills to solve mechanical problems.
• Use of MS products, Excel and SAP software preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or food safety systems helpful.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production equipment to keep lines moving.
• Set up equipment and support changeovers.
• Monitor quality and troubleshoot minor issues.
• Keep work area clean and organized.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Team collaboration

Safety-conscious

Mechanical aptitude

Analytical skills

Self-motivated

Reliable attendance

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Excel

SAP

MS Office

Job description

We Are Kerry

Requisition ID 67106

Position Type (US)Full Time

Workplace Arrangement

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Why Join Our Team

Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, our Manitowoc, WI facility is part of Kerry's Smoke & Grill Division, producing natural smoke ingredients for customers around the world. You'll work in a modern manufacturing facility alongside a team that values safety, collaboration, and continuous learning. Through structured training, supportive leadership, employee engagement programs, volunteer opportunities, and a strong team culture, you'll have the chance to build a rewarding career in manufacturing.

What You'll Do

As a Production Operator in Smoke and Grill Ingredient Manufacturing, you'll join a fast-paced, production team where safety, quality, and teamwork matter. As a Production Operator, you’ll run and monitor production equipment keeping lines moving efficiently while meeting Kerry’s high standards. This may include setting up equipment, monitoring quality, troubleshooting minor issues, supporting changeovers, and keeping your work area clean and organized. This is a hands‑on role for someone who likes working with machines, solving problems, and being part of a team that produces high‑quality products every day.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• High school diploma or equivalent required (over 18 years of age)
• Experience in manufacturing, food production, or quality environments
• Physical agility and ability to stand throughout shift, walk, climb, twist and lift (up to 50 lbs.)
• Ability to work with smell of smoke in environment (similar to camp fire).
• Reliable attendance is important for team operations.
• Must be self‑motivated and conscientious.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team.
• Mechanical aptitude and analytical skills to solve mechanical problems.
• Use of MS products, Excel and SAP software preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or food safety systems helpful.

What We Offer

The starting wage for this position is $22.00 (minimum) per hour. Candidates with specific experience, education and a track record of success may have an opportunity to be brought in at a higher wage. This role may qualify for shift differential and/or overtime. Kerry provides a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contributions, Employee Share Plan, life, disability, and accident insurance. This job posting is expected to expire on October 12, 2026.

Shift Schedule 600PM-600AM, 12 hour shifts, 4 on, 4 off

you can balance your time off and time working!

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

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. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).