Manufacturing Associate

About Kerry

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.

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. The starting wage for this role is $21.42 per hour. This position may also be eligible for a shift differential and/or overtime. In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

• Regularly handle objects weighing up to 50+ lbs on a frequent basis.
• Responsible for machine start up, shut down and changeover procedures. Verify that screens on sifters are in good condition and appropriate for the product that is running.
• Check that the mixer is set according to manufacturing order specifications and take 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.
• Use simple work hand tools. Perform miscellaneous duties which may include sweeping, clean‑up, removing garbage, taking samples, and more. Participate in safety programs such as 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. May perform any other duties assigned by leadership.
• Maintain adequate performance levels as directed. Be punctual and attend scheduled hours as instructed.

General Plant Worker: $21.42/hr (2nd and 3rd shift as of 10/6/2025)

Blender, Machine Operator, Batch set up, Full/Part bag operator: $22.32/hr

Utility: $22.71/hr

These positions may also be eligible for shift differential and/or overtime. Kerry offers a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (subject to eligibility).

• High School diploma or GED required. 1 to 3 years related experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred, or any manufacturing industry required.
• Must be able to communicate in English and understand job terminology. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals and manufacturing orders. Must be able 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. May use calculator.
• Reasoning ability:
  Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and deal with problems outside of standardized situations.

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, the…