Department Manager

Within our 200-person manufacturing facility in Waverly – Leprino is seeking a Department Manager (Cheese) to lead the cheese production department, support safe and consistent operations, and develop supervisors and teams responsible for converting raw materials into finished cheese products. 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 $111,000 and $127,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 15%.

What You’ll Do:

• Build, guide, and support the Cheese Production Department to convert raw materials into finished cheese that meets quality and customer needs.
• Develop supervisors through coaching, mentoring, and regular feedback to grow skills and confidence across the department.
• Create clear production plans and schedules that balance equipment, maintenance, and staffing needs efficiently.
• Write and maintain training plans that strengthen technical knowledge, safety awareness, and quality practices.
• Lead safety efforts by setting clear expectations, modeling safe behaviors, and improving daily safety routines.
• Oversee quality and sanitation programs to protect food safety and meet regulatory requirements.
• Partner with plant teams to improve production yields, reduce waste, and strengthen daily operations.
• Manage department budgets and monitor costs while maintaining product quality and operational stability.
• Communicate openly with supervisors and plant partners to share updates, challenges, and progress.
• Build a collaborative, inclusive environment where people feel supported, encouraged, and part of the team.
• Support employee development conversations and recognition efforts that highlight growth and contribution.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, or a closely related field — or equivalent work experience.
• 8 years of experience in food manufacturing as a previous department manager, superintendent, or even a small plant manager.
• 2 years of experience managing other people leaders (supervisors).
• Proficiency using manufacturing systems and standard computer tools, with the ability to learn SAP.
• Able to work weekends, swing, and overnight shifts.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Prior managerial experience in a dairy production setting.
• Technical understanding of packaging systems and mechanical aptitude for diagnosing operational issues.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, and sanitation practices that ensure food safety excellence!

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?

Learn more at Leprino.com

While we review LinkedIn Easy Apply submissions and may reach out for an initial conversation, they are considered an inquiry rather than an official application. To be formally considered for this position, please apply directly at careers.leprino.com