Cheese Technical Manager

Our client is seeking a Cheese Technical Manager to support the business objectives of the cheese making operations for their St. Cloud, MN cheese plant. The Cheese Technical Manager is a cheese making expert who plays a pivotal role delivering exceptional cheese products in a consistent, cost-effective manner through process variation reduction and optimization of the process. This position reports to the Plant Manager while also managing 2 salaried direct reports.

Essential Functions

• Optimize cheese production operations to ensure quality and yield targets are met.

• Track and analyze performance indicators to identify opportunities within the existing processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

• Manage product and process trials, ensuring work is properly documented and involving all relevant stakeholders.

• Contribute to the site-wide continuous improvement initiatives, both as team leader and as a team member.

• Brings best practices and consultation to the design and layout of new and modified plant processes and equipment.

• Assists engineering in the analysis and troubleshooting of problems as well as the integration of new equipment and processes.

• Provides for and is focused on adherence to all US, State and other regulatory standards.

• Knowledgeable of pasteurization, membrane filtration, fortification, fermentation and the processing of cheese making by-products including cream, whey, and permeate.

• Monitor, including testing of fat, protein, salt, moisture, pH, and other chemistry components on finished products.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach and develop two salaried direct reports in the areas of cheese making and process improvement

Required Education/Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science, Science (Microbiology/Chemistry), Engineering or associated discipline is required; or an equivalent level of expertise based on a combination of qualifications and experience

• At least 7 years' experience in a technical, operations or quality assurance function in a food manufacturing facility

• Cheese manufacturing experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a direct supervisory role is highly preferred.

• Lean Six Sigma Certification preferred - Green or Black Belt

• Prefer certified in HACCP and/or PCQI certified.

• Understanding of industry best practices and standards to produce high quality cheese.

• Deep knowledge of how to build and optimize manufacturing process to commercial goals while delivering quality & safety outcomes.

• Certified and licensed as Cheesemaker and HTST operator.