Overview
Ketchup Please is an organic, no-added-sugar condiment company based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Founded in 2019 as a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) project at Kettle Moraine High School, Ketchup Please has grown from a student business idea into a rapidly expanding food manufacturer producing both our own branded products and sauces for co-packing clients.
We're seeking detail-oriented, hands-on Production Cooks to help manufacture sauces, condiments, and specialty food products in our growing facility. This role is responsible for preparing ingredients, operating cooking equipment, executing recipes accurately, and ensuring every batch meets our quality standards.
This position is perfect for someone who enjoys cooking at scale, working with food production equipment, and taking pride in creating consistent, high-quality products. Unlike traditional restaurant cooking, you'll be producing products that reach retail shelves and customers across the country and featured at major retailers, including: Hy-Vee, Metro Market/Pick 'n Save, Meijer, Sendik's, Piggly Wiggly, Woodman's, H-E-B, to name a few!
This position is based at our Oconomowoc, WI manufacturing facility and may be full-time or part-time depending on candidate availability.
Essential Responsibilities
Batch Production & Cooking
- Accurately weigh, measure, and prepare ingredients according to approved formulations
- Operate steam-jacketed kettles, agitation systems, pumps, and immersion blenders
- Add ingredients according to recipe specifications and production procedures
- Monitor cooking times, temperatures, viscosity, and product quality throughout production
- Perform blending, mixing, and ingredient incorporation to ensure product consistency
- Transfer finished product to holding tanks, hoppers, or filling systems
Quality & Food Safety
- Follow recipe specifications precisely to ensure batch-to-batch consistency
- Conduct quality checks throughout the cooking process
- Record production data, temperatures, lot numbers, and batch information
- Maintain compliance with GMPs, USDA Organic requirements, FDA regulations, and company food safety procedures
- Maintain a clean and sanitary production environment
Equipment & Production Support
- Assist with equipment setup, cleaning, and sanitation
- Support production changeovers between products
- Identify and communicate potential quality or equipment concerns
- Work closely with Production Leads and Team Members to ensure smooth production flow
Qualifications
- Food production, commercial kitchen, bakery, brewery, manufacturing, or culinary experience preferred
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow recipes accurately
- Comfortable working with food manufacturing equipment
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
- Strong commitment to food safety and quality
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods
Working Conditions
- On-site role based at our Oconomowoc, WI facility.
- Full-time or part-time scheduling available depending on candidate availability.
- Standard operating hours are 7:00 AM–3:30 PM, Monday–Friday.
- Hands-on exposure to food manufacturing, equipment operations, and process scale-up within a growing CPG brand.
- Training and onboarding paid and provided.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
