Manufacturing Line Operator

Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves and Join the Crest Crew?
Come experience the Crest Foods difference—where tradition meets innovation, and every day feels like a team celebration. Since 1946, we’ve been proudly family-operated and community-rooted, growing to nearly 700 full-time employees who bring heart, hustle, and a whole lot of fun to our state-of-the-art facilities in Ashton, Illinois.

At Crest, we don’t just make food—we make culture. And right now, we’re looking for hands-on, high-energy Line Operators who are ready to keep our production lines running smoothly and our standards sky-high. If you love working in a fast-paced environment, take pride in precision, and want to be part of a team that values your contributions, we’ve got a spot for you.

Crest Foods offers the opportunity to grow, thrive, and be part of something bigger. Let’s build something great—together.

The anticipated compensation for this position ranges from $19.53-$27.06 per hour. This is the lowest to highest we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of posting. An employee's position within the range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, qualifications, experience, skills and shift.

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshooting packaging equipment to maximize uptime and production performance.
• Ensure all products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and food safety requirements.
• Coordinate and execute product changeovers while minimizing downtime and waste.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, material verification, and product traceability requirements.
• Monitor production processes and proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Support and direct line personnel to ensure adherence to standard work, GMPs, and company policies.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready work environment
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and food safety standards.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and work alongside a small production team.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic equipment issues.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to following standard operating procedures.
• Dependable attendance and demonstrated reliability.
• Previous manufacturing, machine operation, or production leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 55 pounds.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to a team-focused culture.

General Hours of Work:

· 1st Shift: Monday- Friday 5:45am-2:36pm

· 2nd Shift: Monday-Thursday 2:25pm-1:10am

· Overtime and extended hours as needed or requested

Work Authorization Requirements:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Pay: $19.53 - $27.06 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What shift preference do you have? (1st, 2nd or 3rd))

Experience:

• Manufacturing Line Operator: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)
• Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $27