Tub Cook 1st Shift

Kraft Heinz in Cedar Rapids is a prominent manufacturing facility specializing in the production of high-quality food products, including frozen soups and macaroni & cheese. The plant operates on a 3-shift schedule and employs approximately 200 hourly staff members, who are a mix of temporary and full-time associates in a non-union environment. This facility plays a vital role within the broader Kraft Heinz company, which is known for its portfolio of over 50 household brands across the United States. The Cedar Rapids plant boasts advanced production capabilities with four bag soup lines, a tub line, eighteen kettles, five filling lines, and four packaging lines, all dedicated to delivering products that meet the company’s stringent quality and safety standards.

The Kraft Heinz brand itself has a rich history, especially in the Cedar Rapids area. The operation began in the mid-1980s as Ashby Soups, founded by Jamie Ashby, Shannon Ashby, and their mother, using treasured family recipes to create a variety of soups. The company went through a name change to Quality Chef Foods in the 1990s, before being acquired by Heinz in the mid-2000s. The eventual merger of Kraft and Heinz in 2015 led to the formation of the Kraft Heinz we recognize today, blending innovation with tradition to maintain a market-leading position.

Located at 4601 C Street SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the plant benefits from being in a vibrant community known as the cultural corridor, offering residents and employees an enriching lifestyle. Cedar Rapids is celebrated for its blend of cultural activities, quality schools, low crime rates, and bike-friendly environment, making it an excellent place for work-life balance. The cost of living is affordable, complemented by easy commuting options and a large variety of amenities including arts, entertainment, and dining.

The role available at this location is for a Bag Cook on the 1st shift, working Monday through Thursday from 4:00 am to 2:30 pm. This position is essential to the manufacturing process, requiring an operator who is skilled, detail-oriented, and adaptable to work across multiple production positions as needed. The Bag Cook is responsible for safely and accurately preparing soup ingredients by following detailed recipes and collaborating closely with other departments such as prep and spice teams.

Successful candidates will be expected to check product viscosity, wash and sanitize kettles after every batch, manage daily schedules, complete necessary paperwork including IQS entries and inspections, load ingredients, and ensure continuous quality and safety compliance. The role demands attention to detail, the ability to lift at least 50 pounds overhead, and a commitment to working safely in an environment with temperature extremes. Candidates must also demonstrate effective communication skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a strong dedication to upholding the company’s high standards in food safety and quality assurance.

This position offers a competitive pay rate of $24.52 per hour and includes numerous benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, a health reimbursement or savings account, pet insurance, and employee assistance programs. Employees start earning paid time off immediately and can participate in a bonus plan through the Field Operations Incentive Plan (FOIP). Kraft Heinz places a significant emphasis on wellbeing, offering programs that address physical, social, emotional, and financial health to support employees and their families comprehensively.

Kraft Heinz in Cedar Rapids is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The company maintains a safe working environment and expects all employees to adhere to safety protocols and food safety policies. By joining Kraft Heinz as a Bag Cook, candidates will contribute to maintaining the legacy of quality while advancing their career within a dynamic and supportive manufacturing environment.