Technical Cheese Manufacturing Manager - Gables Search Group

Our client is seeking a Technical Cheese Manufacturing Manager to support the business objectives of the cheese making operations for their St. Cloud, MN cheese plant. This important position is a cheese making professional 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.  A person with a Process Engineering mindset along with Technical & Operations Excellence Managment skills. 

·                    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: