Production Associate

• Report to work as scheduled and maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, work instructions, and production standards.
• Stack finished products according to established specifications and customer requirements.
• Inspect products for defects and notify leadership of any quality concerns.
• Pack products into cartons or bags according to customer and production specifications.
• Replenish cartons, packaging materials, and supplies as needed to maintain production flow.
• Verify date codes are printed accurately and positioned correctly on packaging.
• Confirm cartons are properly sealed and immediately report equipment or packaging issues.
• Apply labels accurately according to production schedules and customer specifications.
• Assist Production Leads with product changeovers, equipment preparation, and material movement.
• Perform additional production-related duties as assigned.

• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), HACCP requirements, and SQF Food Safety Code requirements.
• Immediately report any food safety, food quality, or product integrity concerns to Quality Assurance or supervision.
• Support and maintain a culture of food safety and quality throughout daily operations.
• Ensure products meet customer specifications and established quality standards.
• Assist in preventing product contamination and cross-contamination by following approved procedures.
• Maintain production areas in a clean, organized, and audit-ready condition.
• Participate in required food safety, quality, and operational training programs.
• Understand and fulfill individual responsibility for protecting food safety and product quality.

• Rework product as directed to minimize waste and maximize yield.
• Notify supervisors of equipment malfunctions, excessive waste, or process concerns.
• Continuously maintain cleanliness of the production line and surrounding work area.
• Assist with material handling and line support activities to maintain productivity goals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and waste reduction.
• Work overtime, extended shifts, and weekends as business needs require.

• Follow all safety rules, OSHA requirements, and company safety procedures.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, or near-miss incidents.
• Participate in safety training and support a culture where safety is the highest priority.
• Maintain awareness of workplace hazards and contribute to a safe work environment.

• Drive High Performance: Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Maintains focus on productivity, quality, and operational goals. Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Collaborate: Works effectively with supervisors and team members. Treats coworkers with dignity, professionalism, and respect. Supports team success and contributes to a positive work environment. Provides and accepts constructive feedback professionally.
• Can-do attitude: Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to assist where needed.
• Attention to Detail: Verifies materials, packaging, labels, and product specifications. Consistently follows procedures and work instructions. Identifies and communicates quality or process concerns promptly.
• Integrity and Dependability: Demonstrates honesty, professionalism, and respect. Follows instructions and company policies consistently. Maintains dependable attendance and punctuality.

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.

Experience

• Previous food manufacturing or production experience preferred but not required.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic mathematical skills required.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow work instructions and safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are preferred but not required.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, climbing, and repetitive motion activities.
• Ability to work in hot and cold manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to flour dust, wet floors, machinery, noise, and occasional smoke or fumes from production processes.

• Responsible for identifying and reporting food safety, quality, equipment, and safety concerns.
• Makes routine operational decisions within established work instructions and procedures.
• Escalates production, quality, and safety issues to leadership as required.