Program Associate Jobs in Manitowoc, WI (NOW HIRING)

Hours & Shift

This position will initially work first shift, consisting of four 10hour shifts, Monday–Thursday from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Beginning in Summer 2026, the schedule is expected to transition to the permanent hours of second-shift, with the same four 10hour schedule, Monday–Thursday from 1:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Please note that this plan may evolve as we continue to grow and adapt the Chilton start-up location

Pay Range & Growth Opportunity

• Pay Starting at $30.25/hour
• Pay Premium: $3.00 per hour for night shift hours (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM)
• $1,500 sign-on bonus

Grande operates under a High-Performance Work Team (HPWT) model; an Associate (employee)-led approach focused on continuous growth, collaboration, and operational excellence. Through our Skill Block system, Associates are placed and progress based on their demonstrated knowledge and abilities, with clear pathways for advancement offering opportunity to grow your skills and responsibilities as you develop within the team.

Job Summary

Grande is now hiring for our brand-new state-of-the-art facility located in Chilton; an exciting opportunity to be part of building something from the ground up! We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Team Lead to join our cheese manufacturing team on second shift. In this role, you will lead and support Production Associates (employees) while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations across production, processing, and distribution. You’ll coordinate daily activities, provide real-time direction and coaching, and drive performance by maintaining strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. This position is key to fostering a collaborative, results-driven environment while ensuring all products meet Grande's standards and regulatory requirements.

As a Team Lead you’ll be actively involved in all aspects of production, from operating and troubleshooting equipment to performing critical processes, quality testing, and sanitation. You will train and mentor team members, contribute to process improvements, and partner with operations and engineering to enhance efficiency and performance. Candidates must hold a valid Pasteurizer and Cheesemaker license. This role is ideal for a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering excellence every day. If you're ready to make an impact and grow your career with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, join us at the starting line of this exciting new venture. Apply today and help shape the future of dairy manufacturing at Grande!

Why Grande?

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy”, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensure they’re delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can’t be matched. While Grande’s reputation of excellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit – our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry-leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company – what we do and how we go about it – or learn more about our beautiful, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com. 

Did we convince you yet? If not, check out our unique benefits

• Low-cost onsite clinics.
• Free onsite fitness center.
• Free healthy snacks throughout the facility.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Associate cheese purchasing program.
• Two-year mentorship program.
• Paid Parental Leave
• Brand new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility 

Why Chilton?

Located in the heart of Calumet County, Chilton blends small-town charm with big opportunity. With a cost of living 5% below the Wisconsin average and housing prices well below national levels, it’s an affordable and attractive place to live, work, and grow your career. Known for its safety, welcoming community, and strong local values, Chilton offers an ideal environment for those seeking to unwind, recharge, and embrace a relaxed and balanced lifestyle.

Chilton also features easy access to parks and outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown with local dining and entertainment, and annual festivals that celebrate the area’s local culture and community spirit. As the proud home of Grande’s newest start-up location, Chilton presents a unique opportunity to be part of something new and impactful, joining an organization dedicated to professional excellence, enriching the lives of our Associates (employees), and fulfilling “a purpose greater than ourselves”.

What you need to be considered for the role:

• High School or GED
• Cheesemaker's license
• Pasteurizer's license
• Experience in dairy manufacturing is required, typically a minimum of three (3) or more years is needed for obtaining the required skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate thorough understanding of required processes and have ability to independently anticipate and make decisions.
• Leadership skills including the ability to effectively speak, present information, respond to questions and train & mentor others.
• Training and/or experience with conflict management, delegation, multi-tasking, and decision making.
• Ability to comprehend technical instructions/policies/procedures in written, verbal, or diagram form.
• Strong computer skills.
• Project management/leadership skills.
• Strong math, reading, and writing skills.

Preferred:

• 2 Year / Associate Degree preferred

Physical Demands and Work Conditions:

This role requires the ability to regularly lift and move objects weighing between 20–50 lbs, as well as frequent walking, standing, bending, climbing, and exposure to vibration. The work environment may involve exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), high humidity, and loud machinery.