Quality Manager

For our future state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Quality Manager to build and lead the plant’s Quality function from the ground up. The Quality Manager II supports all aspects of quality throughout the plant; from ingredient receipt to the manufacture and distribution of the finished product out of plant warehouse. The Quality Manager leads Production Management in troubleshooting plant quality execution deficiencies, working with technical resources (Technical Services, Quality Assurance, R&D and Product Development) and plant management resources to identify root cause and eliminate recurring quality problems.  Manages the Quality department to ensure the production of consistently wholesome, high-quality products that meet or exceed Customer and Regulatory requirements. 

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!

• Coaches employees in the Quality department by implementing programs in technical training, safety, quality, communications, performance recognition, and internal employee development to drive peak employee engagement and productivity.  
• Educates plant personnel on Quality Systems, including recordkeeping, laboratory execution and product grading, Quality Alert effectiveness, hold and release protocols and COA compliance.  
• Oversees sanitation program effectiveness to ensure food safety standards are met for the facility – HACCP Food Safety systems, SQF, etc.  
• Coordinates with plant personnel to follow up on customer issues (complaints, audit responses, customer queries, etc.).   
• Oversees all customer and regulatory auditing of the plant  
• Ensures the creation of executive summaries as needed and works with the Corporate Quality stakeholders on alignment on product Hold, Release and Disposition direction. 
• Oversees all plant microbiological, chemistry and performance testing of in-process and finished product, as well as instrumentation verification and validation.
• Ensures the plant effectively executes policies, procedures and systems established by the Corporate Quality organization in the areas of Quality and Food Safety, Customer interface (including approvals, specifications, audits, product evaluation and conformance protocols, and customer complaints and follow up) analytical and performance testing methodologies, and purchase quality control.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):    

• Bachelor’s degree in food technology, food science, dairy science, microbiology, or chemistry or related field or similar work experience in related industry 
• 12+ years of quality experience in food manufacturing 
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience 
• Knowledge of quality methods and techniques – including the HACCP concept of food safety, quality assurance standards, food laboratory testing methods and operations, and statistical process control techniques 

We hope you also have (Preferred Qualifications): 

• Technical background in food technology, food science, dairy science, microbiology, or chemistry; related undergraduate or graduate degree  
• Dairy/Cheese manufacturing experience 
• Direct leadership experience over supervisors 

Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.

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 and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, nine paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) 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 70 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 almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?

Learn more about Leprino Foods and our new Lubbock plant: