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Food Production Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Gordon Food Service

Full Time Food Production

Memphis, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Full Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great opportunity to learn and even greater opportunity for advancement! What will you do:

Gordon Food Service

Full Time Food Production

Memphis, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Full Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great opportunity to learn and even greater opportunity for advancement! What will you do:

Gordon Food Service

Full Time Food Production

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

As a Full Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great opportunity to learn and even greater opportunity for advancement! What will you do:

Gordon Food Service

Full Time Food Production

Memphis, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Full Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great opportunity to learn and even greater opportunity for advancement! What will you do:

Gordon Food Service

Full Time Food Production

Memphis, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Full Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great opportunity to learn and even greater opportunity for advancement! What will you do:

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Bristol, TN

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

KFC - Livingston K, LLC

Food Production

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

KFC - Livingston K, LLC

Food Production

Loudon, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Winchester, TN

$11.25 - $15.50/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Shelbyville, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Seymour, TN

$11 - $15/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Columbia, TN

$11.25 - $15.50/hr

Preparation of products. * Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

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All JobsFood Production Associate JobsFood Production Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Food Production Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do food production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production associate in Tennessee is $13.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.59 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food production associate?

Food Production Associates are workers who assist in the preparation, packaging, and quality control of food products in manufacturing or processing facilities. Their responsibilities often include operating machinery, following recipes or production guidelines, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards, and monitoring products for quality. They play a key role in ensuring that food items are produced efficiently and meet health and safety regulations before reaching consumers.

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

To thrive as a Food Production Associate, you need knowledge of food safety standards, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food processing equipment, HACCP protocols, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food production that meets regulatory and company standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food production associates, and how can they be managed?

Food Production Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, meeting high production quotas, and adapting to fast-paced work environments. Successfully managing these challenges involves following proper safety protocols, staying organized, and collaborating effectively with team members. Open communication with supervisors and ongoing training also help associates stay updated on best practices and regulations, ensuring a smooth workflow and product quality.

What is the difference between Food Production Associate vs Food Processing Worker?

AspectFood Production AssociateFood Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires food safety training
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, food manufacturing plantsFood processing facilities, manufacturing plants, packaging lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, processing plantsFood processing companies, packaging facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Food Production Associate and a Food Processing Worker lies in their specific roles within food manufacturing. Food Production Associates typically focus on assembling, packaging, and quality checks on production lines, while Food Processing Workers may be involved in more specialized processing tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, and they are often used interchangeably in the industry. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and career goals.

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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Production Associate jobs?

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

Food Production Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Production Associate 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 $29,013 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Food Production Associate

Staff Management | SMX

Jackson, TN • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description


Staff Management |SMX in Jackson, TN is hiring Production Associates to support our client's essential daily operations by packaging and sealing food products in a warehouse environment. We offer a production schedule that operates on a two-week rotating 36/48 hour schedule, weekly pay, medical and dental benefits. Forklift experience is a plus but not required. If you're dependable, motivated, and ready to start a rewarding career, apply online today to learn more about this opportunity!

  • Full-Time Schedules: 12 hour Day and Night Shifts available


Perks & Benefits

  • Casual Dress Code
  • Paid Training
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Direct Deposit or Cash Card pay options
  • Medical / Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • $17.00/Hour-$17.00/Hour

Employment Type & Shifts

  • Full Time
  • Temp to Hire
  • 1st Shift
  • 2nd Shift
  • Weekend Shifts

Job Responsibilities


  • Operate production line stations to support safe, efficient manufacturing and warehouse operations.
  • Perform packing, hand packing, rework, inspections, and visual quality checks to ensure compliance with manufacturing quality standards.
  • Assist with line clearances, changeovers, and minor equipment adjustments to minimize downtime.
  • Support 5S workplace organization and perform routine lubrication checks under the supervision of plant technicians.
  • Move, stage, and handle raw materials, work in process (WIP), finished goods, and product returns to maintain production flow.
  • Follow safety, quality, production, and operational procedures while contributing to daily production goals.
  • Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including GMP, timekeeping, and attendance guidelines.



Associate Requirements

  • Background Check
  • Able to Lift 50 pounds
  • Drug Test
  • Must be at least 18 years old


The hourly rate for this position is anticipated between $17.00 - $17.00 per hour. This range is a good-faith estimate, based on the shift you work and other considerations permitted by law. An employee's pay history will not be a contributing factor where prohibited by local law. In addition to monetary compensation, we offer medical, dental, vision, life, and more. More details about benefits can be found at https://flimp.live/trueblueassociates#home.


Staff Management | SMX is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, age, gender identification, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with applicable law. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact your Recruiter. TrueBlue, Inc. and its brands will consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs.


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Company Description

You deserve a job you can feel good about.

At Staff Management | SMX, we strengthen communities by creating opportunities that put people to work. As partners in our clients' distribution, fulfillment and manufacturing operations, we help place associates onsite along with a full support team.

Whether you’re an associate working on site, a field support team member or a corporate professional, you’ll be part of something important here at Staff Management | SMX. We take pride in what we do because what we do matters - to our families, our communities and each other.

We offer positions in the US and Canada and our recruiters are always near to help you. Visit our careers page to find the right opportunity for you!