Cheese Technical Manager

People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact. 

Every role at Agropur is designed to create value and contribute to collective performance. 

A context that allows you to maximize your impact:

• Salary range 006: $102,600-$128,300 (Salary will be determined based on skills, education, training & experience related to the position.)

• Work schedule: Monday-Friday with flexibility needed for operational needs

• Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package focusing on your physical, financial, and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 

• 401(k) with 7% company contributions 

• 3 weeks Paid Time Off

• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Advancement Opportunities

• Healthy work/life balance

The levers through which you will make an impact:

We are seeking an experienced Cheese Technical Manager to lead and optimize our cheese manufacturing and dairy processing operations in Jerome.

This role is critical in ensuring the production of high-quality cheese, and dairy products, while continuously improving yield, efficiency, and consistency to meet and exceed customer expectations.

You will act as a technical expert in cheese processing and cheesemaking, partnering cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Commercial teams to deliver best-in-class products aligned with our customers’ brand standards.

• Optimize cheese recipes and processing parameters to maximize yield, quality, and production efficiency

• Lead and coordinate cheese manufacturing processes to meet or exceed customer quality and performance standards

• Communicate and implement process improvements, trials, and quality updates with plant leadership

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, GMP, HACCP, and FSMA standards

• Develop and maintain SOPs and training programs for cheese production teams

• Mentor and support licensed Cheesemakers and production staff

• Oversee starter culture programs and ensure consistent fermentation processes

• Partner with Quality teams on product evaluation and disposition decisions

• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across the cheese department

• Collaborate with Sales, customers, R&D, and external partners (e.g., CDR) to support product quality and innovation

• Perform cheese grading, sensory evaluation, and functional testing (e.g., pizza bakes)

• Ensure consistency in operations and sanitation practices across production teams

What will enable you to create value:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in cheese processing or dairy manufacturing

• Licensed Cheesemaker certification required (or equivalent recognized credential in the U.S.)

• Associate’s degree in food science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, or related field (bachelor’s preferred)

• Strong expertise in cheese production, dairy science, and fermentation processes

• Experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and manufacturing performance improvement

• Knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, FSMA, GMP)

• Leadership or supervisory experience in a food manufacturing environment (preferred)

• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

A role aligned with what creates the greatest collective impact.