Operations Assistant

At Jacobsen Salt Co. we craft top-shelf cooking ingredients, re-envision classic products and recipes, and provide unforgettable culinary experiences every day. Founded in 2011 as the first saltworks in the Pacific Northwest since the 1800s, we have grown from a local, small business to a nationally recognized brand as America’s leading salt maker and purveyor of quality pantry staples.

The Operations Assistant position is a detail-oriented and hands-on role that will support procurement, production, and warehouse operations at our Portland facility. This role plays a critical support function in ensuring raw materials and packaging are sourced, ordered, and delivered on time, while assisting in the coordination and execution of daily production activities.

This is a hybrid, highly collaborative role that blends purchasing coordination with on-the-floor operational support. The ideal candidate is both analytical and operationally engaged—comfortable working with vendors, supporting Production Leads, and stepping into production and warehouse workflows to help keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Location: Portland, OR

Primary functions include:

  • Support day-to-day procurement activities, including sourcing, quoting, and creating purchase orders
  • Assist in maintaining vendor relationships and tracking supplier performance
  • Gather and compare bids, proposals, and pricing to support cost-effective purchasing decisions
  • Track purchase orders from creation through delivery; flag delays, backorders, or discrepancies
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records and vendor documentation
  • Partner with Accounting to ensure invoice accuracy and alignment with purchase orders
  • Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency and cost control
  • Assist in coordinating daily production builds to align with operational priorities and output targets
  • Partner with Production Leads to support execution of production plans and team performance
  • Provide real-time support on the production floor, helping troubleshoot issues as they arise
  • Help ensure production lines are organized, properly staffed, and set up for efficiency
  • Step in as needed to operate machinery and support critical production tasks
  • Assist in monitoring equipment condition, cleanliness, and functionality
  • Support the flow of raw materials and packaging from receiving through production readiness
  • Assist with receiving processes, including verifying deliveries against purchase orders
  • Help maintain warehouse organization and material accessibility to support production needs
  • Partner with warehouse and inventory leadership to improve workflow and material handling
  • Follow and reinforce all company, state, and federal food safety and quality standards
  • Support QA/QC processes and documentation as needed
  • Assist with maintaining adherence to company policies and operational best practices
  • Act as a point of support between vendors, production, and operations teams
  • Communicate clearly regarding supply issues or production impacts
  • Proactively resolve issues related to purchasing, materials, or production execution

Skills, characteristics, and core competencies required:

  • An energetic, enthusiastic team player; comfortable working both independently and under direct supervision
  • 1-2 years of experience in procurement, manufacturing, and/or operations
  • Demonstrates effective and respectful communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Accountable and trustworthy, with a strong work ethic and good judgment
  • A champion of Jacobsen’s ideals of integrity and inclusivity, both in the workplace and in the community
  • Comfortable with basic hand tool use, machine setup and equipment operation
  • Able to perform fundamental mathematical functions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
  • Comfortable completing tasks on a computer, including email correspondences, maintaining spreadsheets, and familiarity with Google Suite
  • Able to read, understand and communicate operational and safety information in English
  • Able to work in an environment where food allergens may be present
  • Must have access to reliable transportation

Essential physical functions:

  • Capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling 20-55 lbs (frequent) and 55-70 lbs (rarely)
  • Good physical dexterity required; tasks and movements requiring fine motor skills are common
  • Able to climb ladders and stairs, squat, kneel, reach overhead and walk on uneven surfaces
  • Able to stand for several hours at a time (position requires walking or standing for long periods)
  • Position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environments

Typical weekly schedule:

  • Shift Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
  • Shift Length: 8 hours
  • This full-time, non-exempt position works out of Jacobsen’s production facility in NE Portland, Oregon

Reports to:

  • Portland Operations Manager

The starting hourly rate for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hour. Benefits include paid time off, paid company holidays and employee discount, as well as eligibility for health/dental/vision benefits after 60 days and 401(k) after one year.

Jacobsen Salt Co. is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the value that diversity brings to an organization.

As a community, we are committed to creating a workplace where learning is a key principle. We look for collaborative and resourceful team players who believe in our mission to inspire people to cook, eat, and live well.

To apply:

Please send your resume to jobs@jacobsensalt.pro with your first and last name, and job title in the subject line. Example: Jane Doe – Operations Assistant. This listing will remain open until filled.