Production Operator

Kerry; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 59,237,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Kerry is hiring a Production Operator in Manitowoc, WI to join a fast-paced production team focused on safety, quality, and teamwork. You will operate and monitor equipment, support changeovers, and ensure clean, compliant processes in a 12-hour shift pattern.

The role requires a high school diploma, manufacturing experience, physical stamina, and strong teamwork. Training is provided, with a competitive benefits package and a strong safety culture at Kerry.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (18+).
• Experience in manufacturing, food production, or quality environments.
• Physical agility; ability to stand, walk, climb, twist and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Run and monitor production equipment to keep lines moving efficiently.
• Set up equipment, monitor quality, and support changeovers.
• Troubleshoot minor issues and maintain a clean, organized work area.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP

MS Excel

Job description

Requisition ID 66413

Position Type (US)Full Time

Workplace Arrangement #LI-Onsite

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.

Enjoy our schedule - 12 hour shifts, 4 days on, 4 days off - and balance your time off and time working!

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 hiring 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 September 14, 2026 .

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).