Manufacturing Operator

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.

Where You'll Work

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division, specializing in fermented ingredients for the bio-science industry. We’re proud of our clean-label, natural products and our commitment to freshness and quality.

What's In It For Me

• Full time work
• Full Benefits starting 1st day of the month after you start
• Overtime Eligible
• $5k Sign on Bonus
• Career growth and opportunities.
• 12 Hour Shifts every other weekend you get three days off!

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $21.00 to $34.00 per hour.  Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role.  Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.  Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.  This job posting is anticipated to expire on 12/2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and employment decisions are made by human recruitment and leadership teams. 

What You'll Do

We are looking for a Liquid Receiving Operator to join our Production team in Rochester, MN. In this hands-on role, you’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient receiving, pasteurization, and transfer of liquid raw materials while ensuring compliance with quality, food safety, and operational standards.This is a dynamic role requiring strong attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

As a Liquid Receiving Operator, you'll

• • Receive and pasteurize liquid raw materials in accordance with production schedules
  • Perform CIP (Clean-in-Place) processes on silos and line circuits
  • Operate and monitor pasteurizers, evaporators, and CIP systems
  • Maintain required documentation, including pasteurizer chart records (MDA compliance)
  • Split fermentation media and execute sanitary transfers to silos and fermentation vessels
  • Run evaporators to precise specifications (density, temperature, flow rate, and vacuum)
  • Monitor equipment performance and troubleshoot operational issues; collaborate with maintenance as needed
  • Oversee and document incoming and outgoing raw material trucks
  • Maintain continuous communication with Quality on processes, fermentations, and adjustments
  • Complete daily production logs and communication reports
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, quality, and food safety standards
  • Maintain housekeeping and sanitation standards across assigned work areas
  • Work across multiple plant areas including receiving, control room, truck bay, flow plate, and silos
  • Follow lockout/tagout procedures and safety protocols at all times

What You'll Need To Be Successful

What you'll need to be successful and safe

• High school diploma or GED required
• Prior experience in manufacturing preferred (food or beverage industry a plus)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Basic computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, SAP, iFix, or similar systems)
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing production demands
• Comfortable working in a high-paced environment with multiple processes running simultaneously

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Regular standing and walking throughout the shift
• Frequent climbing of stairs and ladders; working at multiple plant levels
• Ability to bend, squat, reach, push/pull, and perform repetitive movements
• Lift up to 30 lbs regularly; up to 55 lbs occasionally
• Exposure to noise, chemicals, and variable temperatures
• Hearing protection required; work areas may include wet concrete surfaces

​Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).                              

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.