Manufacturing Operator Jobs in Illinois

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.

• 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

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