1

Food Production Associate Jobs in Springfield, MO

Production Associate I

Springfield, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Follow all food safety, quality, and workplace safety procedures. * Assist with equipment changeovers, cleaning, and basic maintenance activities. * Work collaboratively with production, maintenance ...

Production Associate I

Springfield, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Follow all food safety, quality, and workplace safety procedures. * Assist with equipment changeovers, cleaning, and basic maintenance activities. * Work collaboratively with production, maintenance ...

Follow health, safety, and sanitation guidelines for all products * Guarantee safe food handling ... Provide responsive communication with store management and fellow associates * Safely and ...

Follow health, safety, and sanitation guidelines for all products * Guarantee safe food handling ... Provide responsive communication with store management and fellow associates * Safely and ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD

Nixa, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... production records, payroll and time- keeping. * Responsible for proper cash handling as ...

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving ...

Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: • Medical • Dental • Vision ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Nixa, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... production records, payroll and time- keeping. * Responsible for proper cash handling as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Food Production Associate information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do food production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production associate in Springfield, MO is $13.98, 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 Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Food Production jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Food Production Associate jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Food Production Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Production Associate job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,078 per year, or $14 per hour.

Production Associate I

Springfield, MO • On-site


Kraft Heinz

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks


$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Starting Pay

Starting hourly rate based on shift and location requirements.

Schedule

Various shifts available, including days, nights, weekends, and rotating schedules.

About the Role

As a Production Operator, you will play a key role in producing high-quality food products that reach millions of consumers every day. Team members support manufacturing operations by operating equipment, supplying production lines, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring a safe and efficient work environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support daily manufacturing and production activities.

  • Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment.

  • Supply materials and ingredients to production lines as needed.

  • Perform quality checks and complete required documentation.

  • Maintain housekeeping and sanitation standards.

  • Follow all food safety, quality, and workplace safety procedures.

  • Assist with equipment changeovers, cleaning, and basic maintenance activities.

  • Work collaboratively with production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse teams.

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

  • Manufacturing, warehouse, production, or industrial experience preferred but not required.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong attention to safety, quality, and teamwork.

  • Basic math, reading, and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for extended periods.

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials as required.

  • Ability to bend, reach, squat, and climb stairs or platforms.

  • Ability to work in varying temperatures and production environments.

Why Kraft Heinz?

  • Competitive pay and benefits

  • Career growth opportunities

  • Paid training

  • Stable manufacturing environment

  • Opportunity to work with iconic food brands

  • Internal advancement opportunities

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

  • Financial - 401k,Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Springfield Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.


What Kraft Heinz employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom