Production Associate - 2nd shift - Drying

Job Title: Production Associate – Drying

Career Level:  S1         

Function: Operations                

Reports to: Production Supervisor 

Location: Whitehall West

Position Type: Full-Time          

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 3 pm – 1 am, overtime as necessary   

Pay: $20.50 + 10% shift differential = $22.55

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Ornua is a leading dairy company and the proud owner of premium dairy brands enjoyed by consumers around the world. With annual revenues exceeding $3.7 billion and a global workforce of approximately 2,800 employees, Ornua operates across 10 business units and 12 production facilities spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.

In North America, Ornua is focused on delivering high-quality dairy products and ingredients to retail, foodservice, and food manufacturing customers. The company supports the growth of globally recognized brands, including Kerrygold, while also providing innovative dairy ingredient solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

Backed by a strong global supply network and deep dairy expertise, Ornua combines the strength of an international organization with a commitment to local markets, customers, and communities. Through its manufacturing facilities, commercial teams, and customer partnerships across the United States and Canada, Ornua continues to drive growth, innovation, and excellence throughout the dairy industry.

At Ornua, our success is built on our people, our values, and our commitment to delivering quality products and exceptional service to customers every day.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

As our Production Associate, you will assist in the manufacturing of the finished product, and the lead in manufacturing the right product from the right recipe to the right specification. 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 AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• He/she will assist in mixing the correct batch.  He/she is required to grate and/or dry the product to the correct moisture and specifications. 
• He/she is required to clean equipment and surrounding area.  
• Adherence to all GMP’s and safety protocols. 
• Operate flow meters, steam controls, grinder hammer mill and dryer. 
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements.  
• Package finished product including box making, lining, 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 in a tablet, computer or by hand.  
• Identify variation in cheese manufacturing process, troubleshoot and report to supervisor if unable to resolve.  
• Attend all required company training. 
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.  

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• High School or Equivalent
• Ability to communicate in English
• Must be at least 18 years old

Desired Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing experience (food manufacturing preferred)
• Attention to detail

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, 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