Cheese Technical Manager

Land O'Lakes - Melrose, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Melrose, MN

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Cheese Technical Manager is a pivotal role at the Land O'Lakes Melrose, MN plant, responsible for providing industry-leading technical services in cheese making. This position focuses on optimizing cheese production operations to ensure quality and yield targets are met while driving continuous improvement initiatives. The manager will oversee the cheesemaking process, support plant productivity, and enhance product quality through effective leadership and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Optimize cheese production operations to ensure quality and yield targets are met.
• Provide day-to-day support and guidance in all cheese product and process technical demands.
• Track and analyze performance indicators to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, cost reduction, and enhanced product quality.
• Manage product and process trials, ensuring proper documentation and stakeholder involvement.
• Contribute to site-wide continuous improvement initiatives as both a team leader and member.
• Consult on best practices for the design and layout of new and modified plant processes and equipment.
• Assist engineering in problem analysis and troubleshooting, as well as the integration of new equipment and processes.
• Ensure adherence to all US, State, and other regulatory standards.
• Drive product conformance in line with US and global standards.
• Review vat recipes and finished product chemistry results to optimize processes.
• Understand and monitor cook temperatures, cuts, stirring speeds, and ingredient additions to vats.
• Possess knowledge of pasteurization, membrane filtration, fortification, fermentation, and processing of cheese making by-products.

Requirements

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent technical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong prioritization and multi-tasking abilities to meet deadlines.

Nice-to-haves

• Personable and high-performing attitude.
• Eager to learn and adapt to new challenges.