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Food Production Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Production Assistant - DAY SHIFT

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle.

Production Assistant - NIGHT SHIFT

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle.

Production Assistant - NIGHT SHIFT

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle.

Production Assistant - DAY SHIFT

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle.

Production Assistant - DAY SHIFT

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle.

Production Assistant - NIGHT SHIFT

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle.

Production Assistant - DAY SHIFT

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe access to food, medicine and other goods. We value their trust by making safety our guiding principle.

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Position Summary Responsible for general labor in food production department. Essential Position ... If production comes to a halt (for any reason), assist labeler with any duties such as removing ...

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Food Production Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$27

How much do food production assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production assistant in Tennessee is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food production assistant?

Food Production Assistants are professionals who support the preparation, cooking, and packaging of food products in commercial kitchens, factories, or food processing plants. Their responsibilities include handling ingredients, operating basic equipment, maintaining cleanliness, and following safety and hygiene standards. They work under the supervision of chefs or food production managers to ensure efficient and safe food production. This role is essential to ensure food quality, safety, and timely delivery in the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food production assistant?

To thrive as a Food Production Assistant, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, basic food preparation techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe, consistent, and timely production of food, which is critical for maintaining quality and compliance in food service environments.

What are some common challenges faced by food production assistants, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Food Production Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, working efficiently during busy shifts, and adapting to fast-paced environments. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with food safety protocols, practicing effective time management, and developing strong communication skills to collaborate smoothly with team members. Being proactive about learning operating procedures and asking questions when unsure can also help ease the transition into this role.

What is the difference between Food Production Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Production AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften requires food safety certification
Work EnvironmentFood manufacturing or processing facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, or catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood production companies, factoriesRestaurants, cafes, catering companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food Production Assistants typically work in food manufacturing or processing environments, focusing on preparing ingredients and assisting in production lines. Food Service Workers operate mainly in customer-facing settings like restaurants or cafeterias, handling food service and customer orders. While both roles may require food safety certifications, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

Can I be a food production assistant with no experience?

Food production assistants often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Employers typically look for reliability, ability to follow safety procedures, and a willingness to learn. Basic skills such as teamwork and attention to hygiene are helpful for starting in this role.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Production Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Production Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Production Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,609 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Food Production Manager

The Fresh Market Inc

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$500/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


The Fresh Market rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 275 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 124 rated grocery stores


Job description

Our mission is to make everyday eating extraordinary for our guests. We create a warm, welcoming, and memorable experience through exceptional, personal service. We’re looking for a leader who brings positive energy, strong character, and a commitment to excellence every day. We value teamwork, celebrate our shared success, and look forward to the impact you’ll make on our store, our team, and our community.

Our added benefits for joining The Fresh Market team

  • Team Member discount up to 40% 
  • Early Earn Wage Access (You can access up to 50% (max $500) of your earned wages on-demand per pay period)
  • 401K contribution and company match
  • Financial Wellness Program
  • Personal time off and additional time off purchase plans are available
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance for individual, spouse, partner, and family
  • Discounts on pet insurance, daycare, event tickets, and many more.

Do you have a passion for production? Can you deliver a first-class experience for guests? As our Production Manager, you will take the lead in managing team members and the department's operational procedures and standards to provide the best products and the best complete meal solutions for our guests. Because you will be working with your team members and product continuously throughout the early morning, this is a fast-paced position that requires efficiency and effectiveness, and a passion for excellence to drive results. This role reports to the Store Operations Manager and embodies a culture of leadership, hospitality, excellence, and teamwork. 


  • Direct, manage, and assist all functions of the Production department and demonstrate excellence for your team and guests
  • Managing the production for key items to support Deli-CMS, Meat-Seafood, Bakery, and Produce departments 
  • Properly receiving/stocking goods that follow rotation standards when replenishing product levels 
  • Manage product to reduce shrink/damage 
  • Direct teams to handle, cut, and prepare a variety of the department's meat, cheeses, bread, prepacked produce, and convenient meal solutions in the early morning while maintaining quality product levels as indicated within TFM standards. 
  • Provide team members through The Fresh Market Academy, including “on-the-job” and online training, to provide excellent guest service safely and securely while maintaining efficiency and minimizing product loss 
  • Led, engage, motivate, and manage team members to provide excellent guest service 
  • Provide coaching for team members to further their development and increase retention 
  • Create and manage team schedules, aligning production to support guest shopping hours to ensure guests receive a first-class experience 
  • Ensure department adherence to all safety requirements and protocols, including food safety per TFM policies and per law. 

To meet the needs of our stores, guests, and teams, this position requires the willingness to work a schedule of 3 am – 11 am with days off typically being Sunday and Wednesday of each week.


At a minimum, what you’ll need: 

  • 1+ years of progressive management experience in supermarkets, retail, restaurants, hotels, or general business. 
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams. 
  • Proven ability to deliver an exceptional guest experience while achieving performance goals. 
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. 
  • Basic proficiency with POS systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. 
  • Food safety certification, or ability to obtain post-hire. 
  • Must be 21 years of age or older. 

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Associate’s degree in business, retail management, or related field; or equivalent experience. 
  • Experience in grocery, fresh food retail, hospitality, or high-volume specialty retail environment
  • Knowledge of inventory management systems and financial reporting. 
  • Bilingual skills a plus. 

Physical and Work Conditions 

  • Repetitive hand/arm movements, grasping, bending, reaching, ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds by oneself, exposure to extreme temperatures 
  • Ability to use tools and equipment: knives, ladders, stepstools, box cutters, pallet jacks, and other equipment
  • Required to spend long periods of time on their feet and stand or walk without a break (for up to 4 hours or as required by law) 
  • Required to wear an approved hat, hair net, and/or beard guard, and personal protective equipment 

The Fresh Market is a proud, equal-opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse,


What The Fresh Market employees say

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Fresh Market logo

About Fresh Market

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Fresh Market is a renowned American chain of gourmet supermarkets based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Established in 1982, the company operates in the retail industry, predominantly specializing in offering superior quality, freshness, and variety of products. Their product catalog includes a variety of fresh food products, gourmet groceries, baked goods, and delicacies, among others. With a mission of "making everyday eating extraordinary," they are committed to providing customers with the freshest and finest quality food. Over the years, The Fresh Market has gained significant recognition in the industry, having successfully established over 150 stores across the United States.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greensboro, NC, US

Year founded

1982