This job was last updated on June 29, 2026 10:22 AM.

JOB TITLE: PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE – 3RD SHIFT FUNCTION: OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR LOCATION: BYRON POSITION TYPE: FULL TIME SCHEDULE: MONDAY – THURSDAY, 4:30 PM – 3:00 AM OR 5:30 PM – 4:00 AM, OVERTIME AS NECESSARY HOURLY RATE: $20.50 + 15% = $23.57

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you Production Associate looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organization to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a Production Associate to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This position will play a key role in maintaining plant efficiency and product quality. Your contributions will strengthen our operations, support our culture of continuous improvement, and help Ornua deliver high-quality products enjoyed by customers around the world.

At Ornua, success is not just about what you do — it’s how you do it. You demonstrate our values by seeking new ideas, making things happen, showing care for your teammates, being your authentic self, and achieving great things together.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

• Open barrels, block, or bags of cheese and other ingredients
• Weigh the ingredients to the specified amount per individual batch sheets
• Use knives and wires to cut and trim the ingredients to the correct weights
• Transfer ingredients from the scale to the pick-up tables
• Heavy lifting and the ability to load cheese into grinders is required
• Palletize finished product at the end of the packaging line
• Any other duties as requested or assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Ability to communicate in English
• Must be at least 18 years old

Desired Qualifications

• Solid work history is a must
• Prior food manufacturing experience preferred but not required
• Knowledge of GMPs (Good Manufacturing Process)
• Basic math skills

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 833-450-2385 or peopleservicesus@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.