Leadman (Cheese Maker)

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. is a well-established farmer-owned cooperative that has been a significant part of American agriculture since its founding in 1938. Owned and operated by over 800 farm families, Prairie Farms is deeply rooted in agricultural tradition and community values. The cooperative is committed to producing nutritious, high-quality dairy products that meet rigorous standards while supporting the farming families who dedicate themselves to this work year-round. These farms are often family-run operations spanning several generations, highlighting a legacy of commitment to sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. Their collective effort ensures a steady production of premium milk and dairy products for a growing population.

Prairie Farms emphasizes a mission driven by quality, integrity, and community support. It is focused on surpassing customer expectations through superior dairy products while maintaining ethical business practices and fostering positive relationships within the local communities it serves. The cooperative stands out for its dedication to not only the quality of its dairy products but also the well-being of its employees and network of farm families. As an equal opportunity employer, Prairie Farms fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and grants equal consideration to all qualified candidates.

The Lead Cheese Maker role, based in Fort Wayne, IN, within the Plant Operations department, is essential to the production process and the overall success of Prairie Farms' cheese product line. Reporting to a supervisor or operations manager, this position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about dairy production and quality control. The role involves overseeing the cheese making process to ensure all products meet or exceed established cheese standards and customer specifications. Flexibility in working hours is required, reflecting the dynamic environment of the production facility.

In this position, the Lead Cheese Maker will be responsible for managing all aspects of cheese production, from processing milk into cheese according to strict standard operating procedures, to operating essential equipment such as pasteurizers. A strong understanding of cheese cultures, molds, enzymes, and the biochemistry of milk is critical to function effectively in this role. Precision in following recipes and managing timing to optimize cheese yield is a fundamental part of daily operations. In addition, the role demands meticulous attention to cleanliness and sanitation protocols to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Safety Quality Food (SQF) program requirements. This ensures the safety, quality, and consistency of the cheese products produced.

Beyond cheese production, the Lead Cheese Maker actively participates in maintaining master sanitation schedules, documenting chemical concentrations, and keeping accurate records of production activities, tests, and samples. Training and compliance activities, such as GMP, FSMA, Food Defense Awareness, and Allergen Training, are also key components of the role. The candidate will need to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills to train and direct other team members efficiently.

Physical demands include the ability to handle equipment and materials safely, with the need to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and push or pull up to 100 pounds. Workers must be able to sustain prolonged sitting, standing, or walking periods and adapt to various physical conditions, including heat, cold, and noise in the workplace.

Prairie Farms provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, pension, and life insurance, underlining their commitment to employee welfare. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for high-quality dairy production and want to be part of a historic cooperative that values tradition and innovation, this Lead Cheese Maker position could be an ideal fit.