Production Associate - 1st shift - Shred

Job Title: Production Associate – 1st shift

Function: Production – Shred        

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Location: Whitehall West

Position Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 4 pm, overtime as required

Hourly Rate: $20.50

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Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you a Production Associate looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organization to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a production associate to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This positionwill play a key role in maintaining plant efficiency and product quality. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high-quality products enjoyed by customers around the world.

At Ornua, success is not just about what you do — it’s how you do it. You demonstrate our values by seeking new ideas, making things happen, showing care for your teammates, being your authentic self, and achieving great things together.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The shred line general laborer rotates throughout the shred line.  
• The job includes unwrapping boxes of cheese to be shredded, cubing the cheese through a cubing harp, adding rework back into the line, inspecting and boxing cheese, palletizing cheese, and taking garbage to the dumpster. 
• He/she cleans the area as needed. 
• From time to time, you may be required to work other shifts or be temporarily moved to other departments in the plant. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Package finished product including box making, filling, closing, and palletizing. 
• Inspect cheese products, packing and boxes for damage, report deficiencies to proper parties.   
• Complete all necessary cleaning and workplace sanitation requirements.  
• Perform all tasks in a busy environment with limited supervision.  

• Record production information on a tablet, computer or by hand.  
• Attend all required company training. 
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.  
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements. 

 Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to communicate in English

Desired Qualifications

• Solid work history
• Prior food manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires regular standing for 10 consecutive hours, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

TOTAL REWARDS

Total Rewards at Ornua Ingredients North America will include a competitive salary and quarterly bonus scheme for production. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards.

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at View phone number on careers.ornua.com or View email address on careers.ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system.
E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Nearest Major Market: Eau Claire