Production Supervisor (Whey)

Within our manufacturing facility in Tracy – Leprino is seeking a Production Supervisor (Whey) to move our organization to even larger levels of dairy ingredient growth! We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it is why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $84,000 and $101,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 10%.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Oversee daily operations within Leprino’s Whey Production Department, coordinating staffing and production schedules to meet yield, efficiency, and quality targets.
• Guide and support employees who transform raw whey into high-value dairy ingredients used in nutrition, food, and pharmaceutical applications.
• Champion food safety, sanitation, and quality standards to protect every pound of product leaving the plant.
• Reinforce plant policies fairly and consistently, ensuring accountability while maintaining a culture of respect and inclusion.
• Partner with Quality and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot issues and keep equipment performing at its best.
• Monitor process controls for whey concentration, filtration, drying, and packaging systems to ensure consistent product performance.
• Review employee progress through regular feedback, recognition, and ongoing technical training.
• Encourage collaboration and transparent communication within your team and across shifts — great ideas start with honest conversations!
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, enhance yields, and improve process stability.
• Lead by example in promoting safety awareness and environmental stewardship throughout the department.
• Ensure all required certifications and regulatory trainings are current and accurately documented.

YOU HAVE AT LEAST (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS):

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, dairy technology, manufacturing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years of leadership experience in a food manufacturing or dairy production setting.
• Understanding of pasteurization, evaporation, filtration, and drying processes used in whey or similar dairy ingredients.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, and plant sanitation standards.
• Ability to coordinate teams, manage schedules, and communicate clearly across departments.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts or weekends, depending on production demand.

WE HOPE YOU ALSO HAVE (PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS):

• Master’s degree in food science, dairy technology, or operations management.
• Five or more years leading teams in whey, cheese, or other dairy ingredient production.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma improvement tools applied in dairy or food operations.
• Proficiency with SAP, MES, or other manufacturing execution systems used for tracking yields and materials.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

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 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, ten 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’s history dates back to the 1950s, 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 the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?