Manufacturing Associate

Overview Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. We partner with customers to create healthier, tastier, and more sustainable products consumed by billions of people worldwide. A career with Kerry offers you the opportunity to shape the future of food while exploring and growing in a truly global environment. About the Role Located just outside of Chicago, our Melrose Park location is part of the Coatings division and manufactures batter blends, pastry blends, and bread crumbs. This fast‑paced facility has no dull moments and operates as a team. With a growing portfolio, we need to expand our team. The role is part of a union‑covered plant with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift openings. Compensation information can be found below. Key Responsibilities 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 on a frequent basis. Responsible for machine start‑up, shut‑down, and changeover procedures, verifying screens on sifters are in good condition and appropriate for the product running. Check the mixer is set according to manufacturing order specifications and take corrective action when product variations deviate from quality standards. Verify the manufacturing order (MO) and confirm correct ingredients are used. Dump ingredients into bag dump station or other specified area. Record all raw materials neatly and accurately on the MO. Communicate effectively with other departments and work within a team environment. Use simple hand tools and perform miscellaneous duties such as sweeping, cleaning, removing garbage, taking samples, and more. Participate in safety programs: safety orientation, safety committee, ergonomic committee, monthly regulatory safety trainings, and the Eye for Safety program. Follow all Kerry safety, environmental, and regulatory policies, procedures, and guidelines. Perform any additional duties assigned by leadership. Maintain performance levels as directed and be punctual to scheduled hours. Qualifications and Skills High School diploma or GED required. 1–3 years related experience in food manufacturing preferred; any manufacturing industry experience also acceptable. English language proficiency: understand job terminology, read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and manufacturing orders; write routine reports and correspondence. Mathematical skills: add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; perform manually or with a calculator. Reasoning ability: follow instructions in written, oral, or diagram form and handle problems outside standardized situations. Physical demands: lift, push, pull product hoses while loading/unloading; climb ladders and stairs repeatedly each day; lift at least 50 lbs regularly. Work environment: regularly work near mechanical parts and be exposed to dust; reasonable accommodations may be provided for disabilities. Benefits Pay rate for this position is $22.38 per hour. Kerry provides a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contributions, an Employee Share Plan, life, disability, and accident insurance. Equal Opportunity Statement 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 employs only those legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer is conditional upon a successful background investigation and drug screen. Further information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov). Important Notice Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent Kerry. A Kerry employee will never solicit candidates through a non‑Kerry email address or phone number. Kerry does not currently use video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) for interviews. Refuse any request for payment to participate in the hiring process, such as a “starter kit” or training investment. Kerry will not ask for any money except reimbursable travel expenses. All payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kerry