Production Operative

Kerry; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry in Manitowoc, WI is seeking a Production Operator for our Smoke & Grill Ingredient Manufacturing facility. You will run and monitor production equipment, keep lines moving, and uphold safety, quality, and teamwork standards.

This is a hands‑on, 12‑hour rotating shift (4 on / 4 off) with $22 per hour pay, competitive benefits, and opportunities to grow in a global nutrition company. Experience with forklifts, SAP, and GMP knowledge are a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Experience in manufacturing, food production, or industrial settings preferred.
• Forklift experience or the ability to become forklift certified is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production equipment to maintain efficient workflow.
• Follow safety, quality, food safety, and company policies and procedures.
• Fill, receive, move, and record materials throughout the facility.
• Monitor, weigh and load raw ingredients to meet customer specifications.
• Operate forklifts and/or EPJ's to move materials and organize inventory.
• Support material rework by transferring products between containers and tanks.
• Keep containers and tanks clean and ready for use.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and assist the Shift Supervisor as needed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

We Are Kerry

Requisition ID 66163

Position Type (US)Full Time

Workplace Arrangement We Are Kerry 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 We Offer

The pay rate for this position is $22.00 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. This job posting is anticipated to expire on August 24, 2026.

Schedule

600 PM - 600 AM, rotating 4 days on / 4 days off, providing an excellent balance between work and personal time.

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.

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.

• Operating equipment, automated machines and production activities to ensure efficient workflow.
• Following all safety, quality, food safety, and company policies and procedures.
• Fill, receive, move, and record materials throughout the facility.
• Monitor, measure, weigh and load raw ingredients based on customer specifications.
• Operate forklifts and/or EPJ's to move materials and organize inventory.
• Support material rework activities by transferring products between containers and processing tanks.
• Visually inspect containers and tanks for cleanliness and readiness before use.
• Monitor the production floor and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment throughout the shift.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor.

This position is based in a manufacturing environment and may involve

• Working in hot or varied temperatures (well ventilated)
• Exposure to chemicals, fumes, and smoke-related manufacturing processes.
• Working around elevated platforms, tanks, and industrial equipment.
• Exposure to loud noise and operating machinery.
• Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and climbing stairs.
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.

What We Look For

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
• Manufacturing, food production, warehouse, logistics, or industrial experience preferred.
• Forklift experience or the ability to become forklift certified.
• Basic computer skills; experience with Microsoft Office and SAP is a plus.
• Ability to work a rotating 4-on / 4-off, 12-hour shift schedule (overnight shift)
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and teamwork. Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work in an environment with the smell of smoke (similar to a campfire).
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or food safety systems is beneficial.

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).