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Food Manufacturing Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Bel

Plant Controller

Little Chute, WI · On-site

$106K - $131K/yr

The Financial Controller plays a crucial role in managing the financial health and operational efficiency of the food manufacturing plant. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of ...

BEL

Plant Controller

Little Chute, WI · On-site

$106K - $131K/yr

The Financial Controller plays a crucial role in managing the financial health and operational efficiency of the food manufacturing plant. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of ...

Bel Group

Plant Controller

Little Chute, WI · On-site

$106K - $131K/yr

The Financial Controller plays a crucial role in managing the financial health and operational efficiency of the food manufacturing plant. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of ...

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All JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing Jobs in Appleton, WI

Food Manufacturing information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$42.9K

$97.7K

$133.1K

How much do food manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing in Appleton, WI is $97,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $119,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Food Manufacturing jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Food Manufacturing job openings:

Food Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,727 per year, or $47 per hour.

Food Safety & Quality Manager

Appleton, WI • On-site

The LaSalle Group
See more jobs at The LaSalle Groupexternal

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Our client is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Manager to lead food safety and quality initiatives at a large food manufacturing facility in Appleton, WI. This role is ideal for a strong food manufacturing leader who can drive accountability, influence operations, and build a culture where food safety is owned across the organization-not just by the FSQ team. The successful candidate will bring strong technical knowledge along with the leadership skills needed to develop teams, implement strategy, and drive meaningful change across a 500-person manufacturing plant.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead Food Safety & Quality initiatives across the manufacturing facility, with a primary focus on strengthening the overall food safety culture.
  • Develop and execute a strategic approach to food safety and quality that goes beyond compliance and drives sustainable behavioral and operational change.
  • Partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, and other plant leaders to establish shared accountability and ownership for food safety.
  • Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of 3 direct reports supporting approximately 40-60 employees across the broader FSQ organization.
  • Influence employees and leaders across the plant to embed food safety into day-to-day operations and decision-making.
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, quality, regulatory, and company standards.
  • Oversee quality management systems and processes, with familiarity with systems such as SAP preferred.
  • Identify opportunities to improve food safety, quality, and operational performance and lead initiatives to address gaps.
  • Build strong relationships across the plant and serve as a trusted leader and resource for food safety and quality.
  • Develop team members through coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:
  • 5-7+ years of management experience within food manufacturing.
  • Bachelor's degree required; ideally in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Strong background in food safety and HACCP.
  • Prior quality management experience; familiarity with systems such as SAP is preferred.
  • Significant food manufacturing experience is highly important.
  • Proven ability to lead, develop, and hold teams accountable in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong change-management and influencing skills, with the ability to drive food safety ownership across Operations, Maintenance, and the broader plant.
  • Experience developing and executing strategies rather than simply managing compliance.
  • A proactive, hands-on leader who can influence the floor, build relationships, and create lasting improvements in food safety culture.

Compensation: $140,000 base salary + eligibility to earn a 15% bonus
Benefits: Benefits available Day 1, including a 6% 401(k) match. Relocation assistance is available depending on the candidate. Medical, dental, and vision insurance available.
This is a high-visibility opportunity to make a significant impact at a large manufacturing facility where improving food safety culture is a key business priority. The successful candidate will have strong upward mobility potential, including the opportunity to progress into regional leadership as the organization continues to grow.
If this position interests you and you meet the requirements, apply today!
Thank you,
Kelly Wagner
Director
LaSalle Network
#LI-KO1
LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.
LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search, LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries.

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