Production Associate

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. 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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

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

Schedule

Monday – Thursday, 4:30 pm – 3:00 am or 5:30 pm – 4:00 am, overtime as necessary.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $20.50 + 15% = $23.57

Benefits

Total Rewards at Ornua Ingredients North America will include a competitive salary and quarterly bonus scheme for production. Additional benefits include:

• 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