Production Assistant

Who We Are

Kate McLeod creates solid body care that delivers the most concentrated moisture on earth, harnessing the power of pure plant butters. Our waterless formulas melt nature’s most nourishing ingredients directly into your skin, without dilution or fillers.

We’re best known for The Body Stone™—a moisturizing lotion bar that melts on contact with dry skin, delivering a deep-conditioning treatment that’s clinically proven to boost moisture levels and keep you hydrated for 72 hours.

Production Assistant

The Role

As a Production Assistant, you’ll be part of a small but mighty team crafting clean skincare products at our Hudson Valley workshop in Red Hook, NY. Our workshop operates like a kitchen — you’ll handcraft our products using food-grade ingredients and baking equipment. This is a hands-on, physical role requiring precision, consistency, and strong attention to detail. You’ll help ensure every product leaving our workshop meets Kate McLeod’s high standards of quality and care.

Who You Are

You have a culinary background or a passion for creating with your hands. You’re a productive, adaptable worker who takes pride in doing excellent work, whether independently or as part of a team. You bring positive energy each day and value working for a mission-driven, locally based company creating sustainable, good-for-you products.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and support the production line to meet daily and weekly goals.
• Unmold all lotion bars by hand.
• Prepare and set up materials and equipment for each production run, ensuring everything is stocked and ready.
• Monitor equipment and materials during operation to maintain safety, consistency, and quality standards; promptly report issues to management.
• Inspect raw materials and finished goods for accuracy, quality, scent, and appearance.
• Record production data (ingredient usage, yields, waste, QA rejects) using logs or digital tools.
• Clean and maintain production equipment to ensure safe, consistent performance.
• Track inventory levels of ingredients and communicate shortages as needed.
• Prepare and coordinate changeovers for different SKUs or product batches.
• Follow all health and safety protocols, including proper PPE use and workspace cleanliness.
• Support related production or warehouse tasks as needed to help the broader team.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a bakery, kitchen, or food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Comfortable operating or learning to operate production equipment safely and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, adaptable, and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
• Basic computer skills.
• Physically able to:
  • Lift up to 55 pounds repeatedly.
  • Push, pull, squat, bend, and reach frequently.
  • Stand and walk for up to 8–9 hours per shift.
• Flexible and open to shift or schedule changes as needed.
• Passionate about our mission and sustainable craftsmanship.

Job Type & Compensation

• Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm (with optional Saturdays during peak season)
• Pay Range: $20–$24 per hour (based on experience)

Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off: Earn up to 25 paid days annually (includes company holidays and sick time)
• Health Insurance: 80% employer contribution (medical, dental, vision) for full-time employees
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Employee contribution
• Performance-Based & Anniversary Bonuses
• 75% product discount and 24 free products annually
• Regular weekly schedule with part-time opportunities
• Warm, supportive work environment
• Snacks, team events, and a culture of celebration

Kate McLeod is committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive culture. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome our employees’ differences in race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, medical conditions, among other characteristics.