Production Operator - 1st Shift

Hours & Shift

First shift, Monday – Thursday, four 10‑hour shifts, 5AM – 3:30 PM. Please note that this plan may evolve as we continue to grow and adapt the Chilton start-up location.

Pay Range & Growth Opportunity

Starting at $25.70/hour. Grande operates under a High-Performance Work Team (HPWT) model; an Associate (employee)-led approach focused on continuous growth, collaboration, and operational excellence. Through our Skill Block system, Associates are placed and progress based on their demonstrated knowledge and abilities, with clear pathways for advancement offering opportunity to grow your skills and responsibilities as you develop within the team.

Job Summary

Grande is now hiring for our brand-new state-of-the-art facility located in Chilton; an exciting opportunity to be part of building something from the ground up! As a Production Operator, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the efficient and high-quality processing of dairy products by operating and maintaining intake and dairy equipment in alignment with Grande’s Operational Excellence principles. We’re looking for individuals with a strong understanding of lean manufacturing, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a focus on quality, safety, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring equipment for optimal performance
• Conducting quality inspections and tests
• Troubleshooting issues
• Supporting lean initiatives such as Just-In-Time production, 5S, Kaizen, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Maintaining accurate records
• Adhering to regulatory standards (e.g. FDA, OSHA, USDA)
• Working cross-functionally to drive operational excellence in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Qualifications

• High School or GED
• 1–4 years of advanced manufacturing experience
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot dairy intake equipment
• Basic understanding of mechanical and control systems related to processing equipment
• Proficient in using computer systems for data entry and equipment monitoring
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities within a start-up environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to follow standard work, maintain a safe work environment, and address/correct deviations

Preferred

• Previous experience in dairy processing or food manufacturing environments preferred
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, especially high-performance work teams, is highly desirable
• Additional technical training or certifications in dairy processing, food technology, or related fields is a plus

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

This role requires the ability to regularly lift and move objects weighing between 20–50 lbs, as well as frequent walking, standing, bending, climbing, and exposure to vibration. The work environment may involve exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), high humidity, and loud machinery.