Production Associate (1st Shift)

JOB TITLE:Production Associate (1st Shift)
FUNCTION:Production
REPORTS TO: Production Supervisor
LOCATION:Hilbert, Wisconsin
POSITION TYPE: Full Time
SCHEDULE: M-F 6:00am-2:00pm
HOURLY RATE: $18/hr -  Increasing Base Pay to $20.50/hr effective May 31st, 2026

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. 

Ornua is actively seeking a production team member to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. As a production team member you’ll 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 consumers around the world. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Flex to multiple areas to fill in as needed
• Open barrels, blocks, or bags of cheese and other ingredients
• Ensure recycling and garbage in the plant are emptied to allow smooth production
• Weigh ingredients to the specified amount per individual batch sheets
• Use knives and wires to cut and trim ingredients to correct weights
• Place bags of cheese into boxes and send through for taping and boxing
• Stack packed boxes of cheese onto pallets
• Transfer ingredients from the scale to pick-up tables
• Load cheese into grinders (heavy lifting required)
• Maintain clean and safe work areas
• Perform additional job duties as required by leadership efficiently and safely.
• Consistent attendance and performance
• Adhere to all Company and Departmental procedures.
• Follow all Safety, Food Safety, GMP and HACCP practices.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to stand/walk for 10 consecutive hours
• Willingness to work in a food manufacturing environment with variable temperatures
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to use hands to grasp, grip and manipulate boxes or product
• Basic math skills

Desired Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Solid work history
• Prior food manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires regular standing, 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, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats 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.

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: Appleton
Nearest Secondary Market: Oshkosh