Production Operator - Memphis Plant (Gum Process Operator)

Why Hershey: At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey's enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference locally and globally is part of how we do business every day.

Job Location: Memphis, TN
Position Type: Hourly

About the Facility:

The Hershey Company Memphis Plant is a Non-Union plant producing products such as Ice Breakers, Breath Savers, and Good & Plenty in a high-speed complex manufacturing environment.

Pay:

Starting Pay Rate: $26.76 per hour

• Great Overtime Potential!
• Bi-Weekly Paychecks!

Total Rewards:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, & Vision) - Starting Day 1!
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Hershey Stock Purchase Program
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Shifts:

We ask that you are flexible to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Primary Shift: 3rd Shift

Schedule assignment upon hire is determined by plant needs.

Candidate Process:

Qualified applicants will receive an email to schedule an interview (ensure you have access to a valid email).

Post-Offer Drug Screen and Background Check required.

Valid ID required.

Summary:

Come Make More Moments of Goodness with Us as a Gum Process Operator! The Hershey Company Memphis Plant is seeking motivated individuals to join our Gum Department as a Gum Process Operator (Cube Gum Coater). In this role, you will be responsible for operating and monitoring cube gum coating equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, sanitation, and food safety. You will work closely with production teams to ensure product quality, maximize equipment efficiency, and support continuous improvement initiatives. For consideration for this position, please review this posting, apply online, provide an up-to-date resume, or complete the employment history section of the application.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor gum coating equipment.
• Monitor product quality, temperature, weight, speed, waste, and rework.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, quality, and sanitation standards.
• erform equipment cleaning, inspections, and changeovers.
• Complete required production documentation and quality records.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues as needed.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain an organized and sanitary work area.
• Work effectively within a team environment while supporting production goals.
• Attend departmental meetings and training sessions.

Position Requirements:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
3. Must have a minimum of two (2) years of machine operator experience.
4. Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
5. Must be able to read and interpret operating procedures and safety documentation.
6. Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
7. Must be authorized to work in the United States.
8. Experience in a manufacturing or food manufacturing environment preferred.
9. Experience operating coating or processing equipment preferred.
10. Experience with changeovers and preventive maintenance activities preferred.
11. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles preferred.
12. Strong troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude preferred.
13. Knowledge of GMP and food safety practices preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently required to bend, twist, stoop, climb, and reach.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., with repetitive lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to observe production equipment and monitor process conditions.
• Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and forearms may be required.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed within a food manufacturing facility.
• Regular exposure to operating production equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, hair nets, and safety footwear.
• Compliance with all food safety, GMP, quality, and safety procedures is required.

If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact a Talent Professional at: 1-877-804-1794 or ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Internal applicants should submit a ticket in the HR Service Center: askhr@hersheys.com.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans. You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability. You can request an accommodation via phone or email. To request an accommodation via phone, please call+1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.