ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Manufacturing Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

REX STAFFING

Be Seen First

Food manufacturing General Labor

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Follow all safety, food safety (GMP), and company procedures * Assist with general production and ... We handle the light industrial side of manufacturing, production, assembly, and clerical. However ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing Jobs in Tennessee

Food Manufacturing information

See Tennessee salary details

$39.9K

$90.9K

$123.9K

How much do food manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing in Tennessee is $90,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food manufacturing?

Food manufacturing is the process of transforming raw ingredients into finished food products through various methods such as processing, packaging, and distribution. This industry includes everything from large-scale production of packaged goods to specialized food items. Food manufacturing ensures that products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching consumers. It involves numerous roles, including machine operators, quality assurance specialists, and food scientists, all working together to produce safe and consistent food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food manufacturing, and why are they important?

To excel in Food Manufacturing, strong knowledge of food safety standards, quality control, and production processes is essential, often supported by relevant certifications such as HACCP or SQF. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, automated production systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are crucial soft skills for maintaining efficiency and product quality. These competencies ensure safe, consistent, and high-standard food production in a regulated, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between food manufacturing and food processing?

There is one significant difference between food processing and food manufacturing, and that is what each industry does with a given food product. Food processing is taking a raw product and turning it into an ingredient, like turning vanilla beans into vanilla extract, whereas food manufacturers purchase ingredients and use them within a product, like taking the vanilla extract and using it to make cookies. Both industries work primarily in plant or factory settings, and sometimes food processing and manufacturing is done on the same site, but the duties of manufacturers versus processors differ in their day-to-day operations.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in food manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in food manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control, adhering to food safety regulations, and meeting high production demands. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry standards, participating in ongoing training, and working closely with quality assurance and maintenance teams. Effective communication and collaboration across departments are essential for quickly resolving issues and ensuring smooth production processes.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing vs Food Processing Worker?

AspectFood ManufacturingFood Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed broadly across food production companiesSpecific to processing tasks within food manufacturing
Job FocusOverseeing entire production processes or specific stagesPerforming specific processing tasks like cutting, packaging

Food Manufacturing and Food Processing Worker roles are closely related, often working in the same environments. Food Manufacturing covers a broader scope, including overseeing entire production lines, while Food Processing Workers focus on specific tasks like packaging or preparing food products. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in the food industry.

Is food manufacturing a good career?

Food manufacturing is a stable career that offers opportunities in production, quality control, and management. It often requires attention to safety standards, technical skills, and sometimes certifications, with work environments that can be fast-paced and physically demanding.
More about Food Manufacturing jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Manufacturing jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Food Manufacturing jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing jobs in Tennessee?

For Food Manufacturing jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Manufacturing job openings:

Food Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,906 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Bagger Operator - Food Manufacturing

Palmex Food Group Tennessee LLC

Kingsport, TN • On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Overview:
The Bagger Operator plays a key role in the efficient operation of the manufacturing process. Responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the bagging machines that package snack products for distribution. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues to ensure a smooth, continuous production flow.


Key Responsibilities:

Machine Operation:

  • Operate and monitor automated bagging machines to package snack products in the required quantities and packaging formats.
  • Set up, adjust, and calibrate the bagging machines according to product specifications and production needs.
  • Ensure proper alignment of bags, sealing, and labeling as per quality standards.

Quality Control:

  • Inspect the bags and finished products for quality, ensuring they meet company standards for weight, appearance, and sealing.
  • Reject any bags that do not meet quality standards and report issues to the Quality Control team.
  • Maintain accurate records of quality checks and machine performance.

Machine Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

  • Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on bagging machines to prevent downtime.
  • Troubleshoot machine malfunctions, including jams and sealing issues, and work to resolve them efficiently.
  • Collaborate with maintenance technicians for more complex repairs or adjustments.

Safety & Compliance:

  • Follow all plant safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Ensure proper handling and disposal of packaging materials and waste.
  • Comply with food safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Production Efficiency:

  • Monitor production rates and ensure that the bagging process runs smoothly to meet production goals.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area to promote efficiency and safety.
  • Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to address production issues.

Documentation & Reporting:

  • Complete and maintain accurate production logs, including machine settings, downtime, and any issues encountered.
  • Report production data to supervisors and participate in shift handovers.


Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or training in manufacturing machinery is a plus.
  • Previous experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food production or packaging.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and experience with bagging machines or similar packaging equipment.
  • Knowledge of food safety standards, GMP, and safety protocols in a manufacturing setting.
  • Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance on equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail, with an emphasis on product quality and efficiency.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Willingness to work on shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays if necessary.


Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand for long periods.
  • Ability to lift up to [50] pounds.
  • Manual dexterity for operating machinery and inspecting products.
  • Ability to work in varying temperatures, as food production environments may vary.