HIL - Cheese Maker in Kansas City, Missouri at Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.

Belfonte Ice Cream is looking for someone to who can work Monday - Friday 6am to finish, some weekends and over will be required.

As a HIL - Cheese Maker, you will play a critical role in the production of high-quality cheese products that meet both company standards and customer expectations. You will oversee the entire cheese-making process, from selecting and preparing raw ingredients to monitoring fermentation, aging, and packaging. Your expertise will ensure that all products comply with food safety regulations and quality control measures. Collaboration with quality assurance teams and maintenance staff will be essential to maintain equipment and troubleshoot any production issues. Ultimately, your work will contribute to the company’s reputation for excellence in artisanal and industrial cheese production across the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of experience in cheese production or a related dairy manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations such as FDA and USDA guidelines.
• Ability to operate and maintain cheese-making equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise recipes and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Formal training or certification in dairy science, food technology, or cheese making.
• Experience with a variety of cheese types including hard, soft, and specialty cheeses.
• Familiarity with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles.
• Experience working in a HACCP-compliant or SQF-certified facility.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and execute the cheese-making process including milk preparation, curd formation, cutting, cooking, molding, pressing, and aging.
• Monitor and control fermentation and aging conditions to ensure product consistency and quality.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards throughout the production process.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and coordinate maintenance or repairs as needed to minimize downtime.
• Document production data accurately and report any deviations or quality concerns to supervisors.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to conduct sensory evaluations and laboratory testing.
• Train and mentor junior staff or apprentices in cheese-making techniques and safety protocols.

Skills:

The required skills such as knowledge of food safety regulations and equipment operation are essential for ensuring that cheese production meets health standards and runs smoothly on a daily basis. Attention to detail is critical when following recipes and monitoring fermentation to produce consistent, high-quality cheese. Preferred skills like HACCP familiarity and experience with various cheese types allow the Cheese Maker to adapt processes and improve product variety and safety. Communication and teamwork skills are used to coordinate with quality assurance and maintenance teams, ensuring efficient production and quick resolution of issues. Additionally, mentoring skills help in training new staff, fostering a knowledgeable and safety-conscious workforce.

Belfonte Ice Cream Company is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law