Food Production Associate

Job InformationJob Title: Food Production AssociateDepartment: ProductionReports To: Production Supervisor / Department LeadFLSA Status: As applicablePosition Summary: The Food Production Associate supports daily manufacturing and production operations by performing a variety of tasks related to ingredient preparation, material handling, product processing, packaging, and general production support. Employees may be assigned to different production areas based on business needs, training, and qualifications. This position is responsible for maintaining product quality, food safety, workplace cleanliness, and efficient production practices while following established company procedures. Additional duties may be assigned by management as needed.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Perform production tasks as assigned, including ingredient preparation, weighing, measuring, labeling, material handling, product processing, and other manufacturing activities.Follow recipes, production specifications, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure accuracy and consistency.Inspect ingredients, materials, and work areas to help prevent foreign material contamination and protect product integrity.Minimize product waste and use ingredients and materials efficiently.Accurately record lot numbers, weights, labels, and other required production information to support inventory control and traceability.Meet established productivity, quality, and performance expectations, including applicable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas by following clean-as-you-go practices and departmental housekeeping standards.Safely handle tools, knives, production equipment, and materials as required for assigned tasks.Operate manual and/or electric pallet jacks when authorized and properly trained, including completion of any required plant certification.Follow all equipment operating procedures and safety requirements when using production machinery.Participate in required training and demonstrate the ability to perform assigned tasks safely and effectively.Assist with training new employees when qualified and requested by leadership.Work collaboratively with team members and assist in other production areas as business needs require.Perform other duties of a similar nature and skill level as assigned by management.Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities:Complete all required production, quality, and food safety documentation accurately and honestly.Comply with company Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), sanitation requirements, and employee safety policies.Follow applicable allergen control, ingredient handling, product identification, and cross-contamination prevention procedures.Immediately report potential food safety hazards, product quality concerns, damaged materials, equipment issues, or unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor.Follow company procedures for reporting suspicious packages, activities, or individuals.Complete required Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training before monitoring Critical Control Points (CCPs), when applicable.Follow established HACCP plans and monitoring procedures when assigned and trained to do so.Required Skills and Abilities:Basic mathematical skills, including the ability to work with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions, recipes, labels, and production procedures in English.Effective basic verbal and written communication skills.Basic time management, organization, and recordkeeping skills.Basic computer skills for entering or reviewing production information, when required.Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities based on production needs.Ability to work independently within an assigned work area and collaboratively as part of a team.Ability to adapt to changing assignments, production demands, and departmental priorities.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Willingness to learn new processes, follow instructions, and participate in required training.Education and Experience:High school diploma or equivalent preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.Previous food manufacturing or production experience is beneficial but not required, depending on the assigned position.On-the-job training will be provided as needed for assigned responsibilities.Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:No specific certifications or licenses required upon hire unless designated for the assigned position.Plant certification and additional equipment training may be required before operating certain equipment.Work Environment:The employee will work in a food manufacturing and production facility. Working conditions may include cold temperatures, wet or humid environments, exposure to moving mechanical parts, and moderate noise levels. Employees must follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, personal protective equipment, and workplace safety requirements. Work assignments and environmental conditions may vary depending on the production area and operational needs.Physical Requirements:Ability to work in cold production areas and coolers, with temperatures generally at or below 38°F in designated areas.Regularly stand and walk throughout the work shift.Frequently use hands and arms to handle materials, operate tools, reach, grasp, and perform repetitive production tasks.Ability to communicate verbally and hear instructions and workplace alerts.Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or perform other movements required by assigned tasks.Ability to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds regularly, as required by the assigned position.Ability to perform the physical activities associated with the assigned production area, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.