Production Associate

Position Purpose

The Production Associate plays a vital role in supporting manufacturing operations to ensure products are produced efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with customer specifications and production schedules. This position is responsible for operating and maintaining production equipment, troubleshooting operational issues, and ensuring optimal output with minimal material waste, all while adhering to established safety and quality standards in a team-oriented environment. By leveraging mechanical aptitude and attention to detail, the Production Associate helps maintain high production standards and contributes to overall customer satisfaction through accurate documentation and continuous skill development.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate manufacturing equipment and production machinery in accordance with work orders, safety protocols, and quality standards.
• Monitor equipment performance by checking gauges, controls, and output, identifying and addressing operational issues to maintain consistent production flow.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and escalate issues when necessary to minimize downtime.
• Meet or exceed established production goals while maintaining quality expectations and adhering to project timelines.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic equipment adjustments to ensure optimal machine performance and longevity.
• Optimize material usage and minimize waste to support cost-effective production practices.
• Accurately document material usage, production output, and completed tasks for inventory and reporting purposes.
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and efficient operations.
• Participate in ongoing training and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness.

Reporting Structure

The Production Associate reports directly to the Production Supervisor. This position does not have direct reports and focuses on individual contribution to team and departmental production goals.

Travel Requirements

Occasional local travel may be required to support operational needs, equipment setup, or cross-location production support, as applicable.

Physical Requirements

The Production Associate performs duties in a manufacturing and warehouse environment. Responsibilities include prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting materials weighing up to 50 pounds. The role requires manual dexterity to operate tools and equipment, visual acuity to monitor machinery and inspect products, and the ability to read and interpret work instructions. Effective verbal and written communication skills are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment. Associates must maintain focus, adaptability, and attention to detail while working with machinery and materials. The role requires hands-on involvement in daily production activities and adherence to established safety standards.

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with opportunities for overtime during peak production periods. The environment emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence to consistently meet customer and company expectations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of manufacturing or production experience preferred; training available for entry-level candidates.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
• Basic math skills for measurement, counting, and inventory tracking.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, instructions, and production schedules.
• Proficiency in English for effective verbal and written communication.
• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license may be required based on location.
• Strong reliability, safety awareness, and team-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of quality control standards and inspection processes.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings or blueprints.
• Experience operating forklifts or other material-handling equipment (certification a plus).
• Participation in process improvement or safety programs.
• Strong customer service mindset and commitment to product quality.

Minimum Education

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education

Vocational training or technical certification related to manufacturing, machinery operation, or industrial production is a plus.

Minimum Years of Work Experience

1–2 years preferred but not required.

Certifications

None required. Equipment or safety certifications are a plus.

Competencies

Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to understand and operate production equipment safely and efficiently.

Attention to Detail: Ensure products meet quality standards while minimizing waste and errors.

Time Management: Meet production deadlines and manage workflow effectively.

Technical Knowledge: Maintain familiarity with equipment and manufacturing processes.

Communication Skills: Clearly communicate with supervisors and team members and accurately document production activity.

Team Collaboration: Work effectively in a team-based production environment.

Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve production issues quickly to maintain workflow.

Reliability & Safety: Demonstrate dependable attendance and consistent adherence to safety policies.

The base salary for this position typically falls within the range of $20.00 to $24.00 per hour. Starting wage may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the position being offered, location, education, training, and/or experience. SRS Distribution offers additional competitive and non-financial benefits. Hourly associates may be eligible for overtime based on business needs. Depending on the role, associates may also be eligible for performance-based bonus programs, commissions, car allowance or automobile and fuel program, and reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with company travel policy.

Job Location:

Lumber Suppliers - East Peoria

            

300 Pinecrest Dr East Peoria, IL 61611

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As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer SRS Distribution Inc., including all its subsidiaries, provides job opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, uniform service, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation in applying for any posted position, please contact Human Resources at US: 855.556.3221, or by email to: [email protected] with the nature of your accommodation request and include the Business name, location and title of the job opening. Please allow one (1) business day for a reply. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen, as permitted by law.

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Competitive weekly/bi-weekly pay, discretionary bonuses, 401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, volunteer, holidays, birthday, floating), medical/dental/vision, flexible spending accounts, company-paid life and short-term disability, plus optional long-term disability, and additional life insurance. All benefits subject to eligibility.

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Should a Candidate be submitted to fill a position by a recruiting or staffing services agency (“Agency”), the Company has no obligation to pay the Agency any fee for submission, offer, placement or any service without a fully executed contract of service covering the engagement.