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: