Production Operator (3rd Shift)

Lactalis USA; Town of Belmont (WI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

In Belmont, Wisconsin, Lactalis USA is hiring a Production Operator to work on our cheese production lines. You will operate and monitor equipment, load trays, stage bascular, and ensure product quality while meeting efficiency targets.

The role requires stamina, manual dexterity, and a strong safety mindset. Candidates should have a High School Diploma/GED; food industry experience is preferred and a stable work history is valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred.
• Experience in a food industry preferred.
• Stable work history required.
• Basic math skills to calculate averages.

Responsibilities

• Meet efficiency budgets while maintaining a high quality product.
• Operate and monitor cheese production machines and line equipment.
• Load trays/molds and stage bascular; ensure proper setup.
• Complete paperwork accurately and record production data.
• Maintain sanitation and keep work area clean and organized.
• Follow safety rules and GMPs; report issues to supervisor.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Vision abilities

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Stamina/Standing

Repetitive movements

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family‑owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award‑winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Production Operator based in Belmont, Wisconsin. Production team members are responsible for working in a variety of cheese making production functions to ensure continuous and efficient line operation. Candidates must be able to work over 40 hours per week (weekends are required). This job is physical and fast‑paced.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key Responsibilities For This Position Include

• Meet efficiency budget levels with maintaining a high quality product
• Must remove and load trays/molds
• Stage bascular with appropriate cookie sheets
• Complete repetition task, ensuring the even spread of curd into appropriate mold
• Pull cheese on to draining room tables from chariot
• Ensure all whey pipes are properly hooked up
• Turn cheese in draining rooms
• Run machines (ex: stacker(s), unmolder, rack washer)
• Place racks on unmolding conveyor
• Weigh cheese
• Complete paperwork as assigned, accurately and legible
• Maintain open line of communication with all line workers and room supervisor
• Perform sanitation duties as assigned
• Keep work area clean and organized
• Report production problems and/or concerns to the on duty supervisor
• Attend departmental meetings and training as assigned by the supervisor and/or manager
• Apply the safety rules and ensure they are implemented and followed
• Apply the Good Manufacturing Practices Standard
• Perform other work duties as assigned

From your STORY to ours

Education

• High School Diploma/General Education Degree (GED) is preferred

Experience

• Previous employment in a food industry setting is preferred
• Stable and dependable work history is required

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Basic mathematical skills are required (must be able to calculate averages)

Skills/Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Manual dexterity
• Vision abilities (close, distance color and ability to focus)
• Push/pull/lift and carry at least 30 pounds continuously and 50 pounds occasionally,
• Stand for entire shift
• Perform repetitive movements (e.g. twisting, gripping, lifting, bending, reaching)

The ideal candidate will be proactive and dynamic, flexible and receptive to new ideas, down to earth and pragmatic, analytical and attentive to detail. He or she will also be capable of working independently in adherence to regulations, of managing stress and remaining calm under pressure, and be able to demonstrate an inquiring mind and well‑developed observational skills. Will demonstrate a sense of responsibility and high professional standards, honesty and integrity, and objectivity. Possess values of ambition and engagement, with simplicity.

Pay: $24.55/hr + $2.50/hr Shift Premium, dependent upon skills and experience. Weekend premium 20% more (+$4.91/hour). Lactalis offers very competitive pay, benefits, and paid time off.

Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:15 AM

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally‑recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.

Further, any division of the Company that is an Affiant Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.