Manufacturing Associate

Kerry Manufacturing Position

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.

About the Role

Located just outside of Chicago, our Melrose Park location is part of our Coatings division and creates batter blends, pastry blends, and bread crumbs. We are a fast paced, never a dull moment manufacturing facility that comes together as a team to get the job done. With a growing portfolio, comes need to grow our team! If you're looking to build a career in manufacturing with a team you can make a difference with, we might be the place for you.

3141 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160

Melrose Park is part of a Union, we currently have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift openings. Compensation information on the bottom of this job announcement.

Key Responsibilities

Job Title

• General Plant Worker $22.38/hr
• Blender, Machine Operator, Batch set up, Full/Part bag operator $23.33/hr
• Utility $23.73/hr

Responsibilities

• Regularly handle objects weighing up to 50+ lbs in a frequent basis.
• Responsible for machine start up, shut down and changeover procedures. Verify that screens on sifters are in good condition and are appropriate for the product that is running.
• Check that the mixer is set according to manufacturing order specifications and taking corrective action when product varies from quality standards.
• Check the manufacturing order (MO) and confirm the correct ingredients are being used.
• Dump ingredients into bag dump station or other specified area.
• Record all raw materials neatly and accurately on the manufacturing order (MO).
• Communicate effectively with other departments, and work within a team environment.
• Able to use simple work hand tools. Perform a wide variety of miscellaneous duties which may include sweeping, clean-up, removing garbage, taking samples and etc. Participate in safety programs such as; safety orientation, safety committee, ergonomic committee, monthly regulatory safety trainings and Eye for safety program.
• Follow all Kerry safety, environmental and regulatory policies, procedures, and guidelines. May perform any other duties assigned by leadership. Required to maintain adequate performance levels as directed. Must be punctual and attend scheduled hours as instructed.

Qualifications and Skills

• EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE High School diploma or GED required. 1 to 3 years related experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred, or any manufacturing industry required.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS Able to communicate in English to understanding the job terminology. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals and manufacturing orders. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to perform these operations manually or with a calculator.
• REASONING ABILITY to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems outside of standardized situations.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to lifting, pushing, and pulling of product hoses while loading/unloading products. Must be able to climb ladders and stairs multiple times every day and lift at least 50 lbs regularly.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee regularly works near mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to dust.

The pay rate for this position is $22.38 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 7/15/2026.

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 hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

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.