Cheese Process Specialist

About the role

Agropur is hiring a Cheese Process Specialist in Luxemburg, Wisconsin. Working as part of a collaborative team, the specialist helps improve operating efficiencies in the production of high-quality cheese and/or whey ingredients, troubleshoots machines and processes, and develops systems and procedures for new unit operations.

Key responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting on all machines and processes in the assigned plant locations.
• Identify problem areas or opportunities for improvement in production, determine a course of action and help implement improvements and corrective actions.
• Maintain knowledge of cheese making, cheese conversion, whey and permeate processes and procedures as assigned.
• Collaborate with internal and external personnel to develop systems and procedures for new whey/dairy product unit operations.
• Analyze laboratory and process data statistically to identify trends, deficiencies and formulate predictions.
• Write Standard Operating Procedures for production and cleaning processes.
• Resolve day-to-day production tasks with plant, corporate and client personnel, and visit customers to support their needs for whey ingredients, including leading production trials.
• Work with the sales department on product disposition and with customers.
• Use ERP systems (SAP, MES, AOS) for product disposition and formulation updates, and lead AOS activities such as centerline and CIL management, loss tree and 90-day plan development.
• Inspect food processing areas for compliance with government regulations on sanitation, safety, quality and waste management, and help develop quality assurance programs.
• Develop food standards, production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Operations Management or Manufacturing Engineering required; equivalent education and/or experience may be considered.
• At least three years of dairy processing experience, preferably in a whey-processing environment (pasteurizers, membrane systems, spray dryers and evaporators).
• Extensive dairy experience and progressive leadership growth preferred.
• Adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.

What we offer

• Salary range of $69,500 - $86,900, depending on skills, education, training and experience.
• Monday to Friday schedule.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) with 7% company contribution.
• Three weeks paid time off, paid holidays and two floating holidays.
• Paid parental leave and advancement opportunities.