Cheese Manager

For our future state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Cheese Manager. We take pride in our vision to be the "world's best", it's why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

Leprino Foods broke ground on the $1 Billion facility in the summer of 2022. The plant will become operational in 2025 with Phase 1 and will become fully operational by 2026 with Phase 2!

The Cheese Manager oversees the Cheese Production Department to ensure the successful conversion of raw materials into finished cheese products that meet quality and customer specifications in a safe and efficient manner.  Provides leadership to department supervisors and employees to develop a highly skilled and engaged workgroup.  Responsible for the people safety, food safety, product quality, and financials of the department.  

• Provides leadership in the Cheese Production Department by implementing and maintaining programs in technical training, safety, quality, communications, performance recognition and internal employee development in order to ensure peak employee productivity.  

• Responsible for outlining and managing the work of the supervisors in the Cheese Department.  

• Actively leads the processes for performance management, employee development and engagement.  

• Builds and fosters strong working relationships, collaborative teams, and a positive work environment.  

• Implements company and plant policies fairly and consistently.  

• Manages the Cheese Production Process to assure the highest quality finished products that meet company and customer specifications and government regulations.  

• Maintains high productivity and cost effectiveness through proper scheduling production operations, maintenance, and workforce.  

• Manages the department budget within established guidelines ensuring financial objectives are met.  

• Ensures production yields and efficiencies are met as defined by budgetary and Corporate standards.

• Manages the departments financial performance to assure that a quality product is provided at the least possible cost. 

• Leads the department safety program to ensure a safe working environment.  

• Provides employees with the training, equipment, and tools to be able to safely perform their jobs.  

• Sets standards for safety involvement and accountability and leads by example.  

• Manages the department’s quality systems to achieve quality goals.  

• Oversees the sanitation program effectiveness to ensure food safety standards are met in the department 

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:  

• College Degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology or related field, or similar work experience in related industry  

• 8+ years of experience in food manufacturing  

• 2+ years of progressive leadership experience  

• Proficient computer knowledge, with familiarity or ability to learn SAP or other manufacturing computer systems  

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:  

• Dairy/Cheese manufacturing experience   

• Direct leadership experience over supervisors 

Leprino Foods embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Offering you in return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries, tuition assistance, vacation, holiday, dedicated sick time, matching 401(k), annual merit increases and bonuses, as well as our annual Profit-Sharing plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 65 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to over 4,300 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?

Nearest Major Market: Lubbock