Production Operator

About the Role Wisconsin Whey Protein, a FrieslandCampina company, is seeking Production Operators to join our growing manufacturing team. Our Production Operators play a critical role in producing high-quality dairy ingredients by safely operating processing, filtration, intake, and packaging equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, food quality, and operational excellence. This position offers the opportunity to work across multiple areas of production, including receiving and processing raw materials, operating filtration systems, monitoring production processes, packaging finished products, and supporting sanitation and continuous improvement initiatives. What You'll Do Safety, Quality & Food Safety Follow all safety, environmental, food safety, GMP, and quality procedures. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Identify and report safety concerns, quality issues, and process deviations. Ensure compliance with food safety standards and customer requirements. Production Operations Operate and monitor manufacturing, processing, filtration, intake, and packaging equipment. Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production schedules. Monitor process parameters such as flow rates, pressure, temperature, product quality, packaging accuracy, and equipment performance. Make routine operational adjustments within established guidelines. Manage raw material intake, product movement, and finished goods handling as required. Verify proper materials, labels, lot codes, and product specifications. Process Monitoring & Documentation Complete production records, quality checks, and batch documentation accurately. Monitor equipment and process performance. Communicate production status, issues, and shift handoff information effectively. Maintain product traceability and documentation requirements. Equipment Care & Troubleshooting Perform routine inspections of equipment and work areas. Conduct basic troubleshooting and identify operational issues. Partner with Maintenance and Quality teams to resolve equipment and process concerns. Support efforts to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Cleaning & Sanitation Perform cleaning and sanitation activities, including CIP/COP procedures. Maintain equipment and work areas in accordance with hygiene and food safety standards. Support plant housekeeping and sanitation requirements. Teamwork & Continuous Improvement Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and waste reduction. Cross-train in multiple production areas as needed. Contribute to a positive, respectful, and team-oriented culture.

Need to haves:

High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to follow written instructions, SOPs, and safety procedures. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Reliable attendance and dependability.

Nice to haves:

Experience in dairy, food, beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environments. Technical, vocational, or industrial training. Experience operating manufacturing or packaging equipment. Familiarity with GMPs, food safety programs, and quality systems. What We're Looking For Successful candidates will demonstrate: A strong commitment to safety and quality. Accountability and ownership of their work. A willingness to learn and adapt. Professionalism and respect for others. A collaborative, team-first mindset. A drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence. Work Environment Manufacturing environment operating under GMP standards.

Exposure to:

dairy products, allergens, cleaning chemicals, enzymes, and industrial equipment. Moderate to high noise levels.

Required PPE includes:

safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe/safety-toe footwear, lab coat, and hard hat as required. Physical Requirements Stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift. Use hands and arms to operate equipment and handle materials. Lift and move materials weighing up to 30 pounds. Maintain close attention to detail and visual inspections of equipment and products. About FrieslandCampina At FrieslandCampina, our purpose is to nourish by nature. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace where employees are empowered to grow, contribute, and succeed together. Wisconsin Whey Protein is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Pay:

$21.65 - $30.46 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Vision insurance Application Question(s): Which production areas would you be interested in working in? (Share all that apply) ☐ Packaging ☐ Filtration ☐ Intake ☐ Dryer ☐ Open to

Any Area Experience:

Manufacturing:

1 year (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Preferred) Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person