Manager I, Environmental & Utilities

For our future state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking an Environmental and Utilities Manager to continue moving our organization to even larger levels of innovation, technological advancement, process improvement, and production efficiencies. We take pride in our vision to be the "world's best", it's why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

Lepriono Foods broke ground on the $1 Billion facility in the summer of 2022. The plan will be operation in 2024 with Phase 1 and will become fully operational by 2026 with Phase 2. You will play a crucial role in creating a healthy work environment for our employees, thereby fostering postiive working realtionships and teamwork. You will report directly to the Plant Engineering Manager and interact regularly with the Plant Manager, other department managers and Senior Leadership.

• Builds and fosters strong working relationships, collaborative teams, and a positive work environment.
• Advises Utilities Supervisors; Waste Water Supervisors, and power and utility technicians, and indirectly other plant engineering resources for the operation, tracking, and optimization of plant sustainability initiatives and efforts.
• Contributes to the sustainment and refinement of utility tracking systems.
• Leads utilities operational planning and budgeting as they pertain to energy and water usage.
• Manages the overall operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and the overall operation and maintenance of plant utilities systems (Boiler, Ammonia Refrigeration, Compressed Air, Water Systems).
• Trains plant personnel on wastewater awareness, production spill control, and COD and TSS reduction from production processes.
• SARA, EHS, and Waste Disposal: Manages plant chemical usage for purposes of EHS tracking and SARA Tier II Reporting.
• Conducts cradle to grave disposal planning, tracking, and documentation of hazardous materials.
• Manages the Utilities Department and Wastewater Treatment Plant budget within established guidelines ensuring financial objectives are met.
• Sets standards for safety involvement and accountability in the department and leads by example.
• Develop and maintain the plant wide Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) and the Spill Prevention Control and Containment Plan (SPCC).
• Actively own the processes for performance management, employee development and engagement.

You Have at Least (Required Qualifications):

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering.
• Four (4) years of experience in environmental engineering (water, wastewater, or other related field) or similar work experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Four (4) years of progressive leadership experience.
• Extensive experience with ammonia refrigeration and Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Are humble, inquisitive, patient, collaborative, innovative, results-oriented, and resilient - the DNA of a Leprino employee.

We hope you also have (preferred qualifications):

• Knowledge of Mechanical Utility systems including gas fired turbines, boilers, air compressors, ammonia refrigeration systems, building management systems, and RO (reverse osmosis) water systems.
• Direct leadership experience over other people leaders (supervisors or managers).
• Experience in design and operations consultation for activated sludge wastewater treatment and anaerobic solid digestion.
• Dairy/Cheese manufacturing experience.
• Hold a Texas Wastewater Operator Class C license or higher (or the ability to acquire one within 12 months).

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?