2nd Shift- Thermo Processing Operator

Kent Quality Foods, a premier manufacturer of specialty meat products, is seeking a Thermo Processing Operator for our Leonard facility. We are a well-established business with almost seven decades of success, and even if you do not know our name, you will surely know our products.

As an RTE Thermo Processing Operator you will help ensure products are properly chilled, handled, documented, and maintained according to established food safety, quality, sanitation, and operational standards. This role is a great fit for someone who takes pride in doing things the right way, enjoys hands-on production work, and wants to be part of a team that values safety, quality, and reliability.

What you'll do:

• Chill all products according to established specifications and quality standards.


• Load and unload ovens and chillers while maintaining an efficient workflow throughout the day.


• Monitor product for potential quality or safety concerns, including discoloration, spacing issues, mislabeled product, or product contacting the floor, and notify the department lead or manager immediately.


• Assist with probe calibration and chiller check documentation as needed.


• Follow established sanitation procedures, including proper use of sanitizer, hand soap, water hoses, and sanitation equipment.


• Keep assigned work areas clean, organized, and sanitized throughout the shift.


• Assist with cart washing, stick barrels, oven cleaning, and other Thermal processing tasks as required.


• Follow applicable SOPs, food safety processes, employee safety requirements, and sanitation standards.

What we're looking for:

• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, department peers, leads, supervisors, and management.


• Ability to read and understand production schedules.


• Basic math skills.


• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner.


• Comfort using computers and digital control systems after training.


• Willingness to complete required training, including DDC, HACCP documentation, lockout/tagout, food safety, and hazardous materials training.


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe, sanitary, and quality-focused work.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, work in a refrigerated production environment, and consistently lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs to perform duties.

Why Join Kent Quality Foods?

At Kent Quality Foods, every team member contributes to producing safe, high-quality food products. This is a 2nd shift position, Monday through Friday, with shifts beginning at 5:00pm and averaging 8-12 hours per day. Occasional Saturday work may be required based on facility needs.

Starting pay rate of $18.25 per hour, plus a $3 per hour shift differential. Eligible for attendance bonus valued at $1 per hour. Kent Quality Foods offers a competitive benefits package including comprehensive health benefits and retirement benefits.

How to Apply

If you are dependable, safety-minded, and ready to support a fast-paced food production environment, we encourage you to apply today online at Kqf.com or in person at our Leonard location located at 703 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504