Our client is seeking a Continuous Improvement Cheese Manager to support the business objectives of the cheese making operations for their St.
Cloud, MN cheese plant. The CI Cheese 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.