Wet Blend Operator

Kerry; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry in Rochester, MN is seeking a production operator to support ingredient staging, blending, and line transfers in a fermentation-focused facility. You will follow established procedures, monitor batch records, and maintain sanitation and safety standards.

The role requires the ability to lift up to 55 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work on a 2-2-3 schedule. Prior food manufacturing experience is desirable but not required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment is desirable.
• Good working knowledge of arithmetic and basic math.
• Be neat and consistent in daily tasks.
• Capable of following company policies and using common sense.
• Physical demands include walking, standing, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting up to 55 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Staging and blending ingredients, following CIP and batch procedures.
• Connects lines, tanks, and piping; operates liquifier and transfer processes.
• Performs CIP of lines and tanks; maintains sanitation per GMP.
• Stages raw materials per batch sheets; records weights and lot numbers; follows recipes for blending.
• Performs line connections, discharges, transfers, and uses FIX screens; operates X102/X103 heating/cooling.
• Operates computer systems (FIX, Qset, Excel) for reporting and monitoring trends.
• Washes and cleans equipment per sanitation manual; adheres to GMP; operates forklift.

Skills

Arithmetic

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Walk/stand long periods

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

About 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.

Requisition ID

66120

Position Type

(US)Full Time

Workplace Arrangement

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division and specializes in fermented ingredients for products related to the bio-science industry. Our team is proud of the work they do and have a focus on clean label or natural products ensuring freshness.

Note The shift is 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM on a 2-2-3 schedule rotation.

Compensation Data

The pay rate for this position is $22.25 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 11/09/2026.

AI Tools

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 employment decisions are made by human recruitment and leadership teams.

What will you do?

• Staging/ blending ingredients, CIP of line circuits and blend tanks, connecting tanks and piping, and sanitation. Follows established procedures and run setpoints in order to achieve QC approved products.
• Performs line circuit and tank piping connections in blend room by assuring recirculation via liquifier, product discharge, tank to tank transfer, product transfers and lime slurry addition / pumping systems.
• Performs CIP of line circuits and blend tanks/silos by understanding CIP recipes, cycles and chemicals. Performs piping connections and will wash and CIP liquifier.
• Stages raw materials and follows established instructions on batch sheets to perform duties. Records weights, manufacturing lot numbers, and QC checks. Follows recipes to blend products according to process description manual.
• Performs line circuit and silo connections in receiving including discharge, transfers, connections, and opening silos. Uses FIX screens to perform tasks. Operates X102 and X103 heating/ cooling mode.
• Operates computer systems including FIX operator interface, Qset, and Excel for reporting, tracking historical trends, reactor operations, CIP system, chemical addition systems, liquifier operations, and product transfers.
• Washes and cleans equipment per the sanitation manual. Follows GMP program and rules.
• Operates forklift.

What will you need to be successful?

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience is not required, but having prior experience in a food manufacturing environment is desirable.
• Have a good working knowledge of arithmetic and be confident in its use.
• Be neat and consistent in whatever this individual does.
• Capable of adhering to company policies and yet able to use common sense in making many daily decisions required in this position.
• The physical demands of this position include the ability to walk and stand on a regular basis. Must climb stairs and ladders.
• The ability to reach, bend/stoop, crouch, squat, push/pull and manipulate is frequently required. Must frequently lift product from a variety of positions to 55 pounds and has occasional requirement to lift over 55 pounds.
• Vision and the ability to read and write are required to perform this job.
• The job is performed inside. There is exposure to humidity, dust, fumes, noise, and chemical agents. Hearing protection is required. On occasion there is close proximity to moving objects and sharp tools and limited room for movement when staging product.
• The floor surface is linoleum, metal grates, or concrete frequently wet in some areas.
• The temperature is variable based on the season and the task being performed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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).