Cheese Technologist

CHEESE TECHNOLOGIST

Location

Stratford WI or Willmar MN

Onsite, Hybrid or Fully Remote

Onsite

Status

Full-time

Reports To

SVP, Projects

FLSA Status

Exempt

Management Position

No

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position will provide leadership in cheese processing technologies by working with the project and sales teams to define cheese processes and providing industry insights and technical direction to support projects and innovation in cheese processing. This position will also be responsible for providing excellent customer and sales support and will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality, cost efficiency, and performance. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process Development :

• Review and approval of mass balance/process calculations and mass flow diagrams
• Set-up of technological product & line specifications, guarantees, and performances 
• Collaborate Process design and optimization with process engineering for cheese production concepts and solutions including Standardizing, Curd Production, cheese packaging, and ingredient blending system(s)

• Review P&ID’s and changes to P&ID’s with process engineering for sales and project phases
• Provide Critical Design Reviews and associated approvals at Critical Design Review points
• Review Process Narrative or Functional Descriptions of the process for use by the controls team in programming the controls systems. 

Commissioning

• Assist in commissioning of assigned projects
• Training of operators or customer technical team
• Optimization and troubleshooting on existing cheese production lines. 
• Set-up of technological product and line specifications, guarantees and performances.

Sales Support

• Audit and process reviews of customers’ existing process lines
• Collaborate on conceptual design of cheese process according to customer requirements
• Interpretation and advising on customer information and the influence of these input parameters on the cheese production solutions and concepts through modeling, optimizing, and engineering processes. 

Other Duties

• On request, give technological support and advice to coworkers in the organization and/or customer’s organization. 
• Attend relevant continuing education classes (i.e. CDR classes) 
• Attend industry events (e.g. Cheese Con, WCMA events)
• Other projects as assigned by supervisor. 

TRAVEL:

• Must be willing to travel 25-40% of the time.

SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Licensed Cheesemaker with 10 years experience, or relevant experience.
• Must have 10 years’ experience in the dairy process industry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

KOVALUES:

• CUSTOMER FOCUS: Our decisions and actions are aligned with client needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
• INTEGRITY & COMPLIANCE: Establishes trust and credibility, ensuring that actions and communications are transparent and ethical. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
• TEAMWORK: Foster collaboration and efficiency, leading to innovative solutions and a supportive work environment.
• HUMILITY & RESPECT: Build a positive culture by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a respectful workplace.
• ENTREPRENEURIAL: Eliminate bureaucracy and non-value-added processes. Encourage innovation, promote a sense of urgency, and identify and promote our competitive advantage.

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (4 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision insurances; 401K (match & fixed company contribution); health savings and flexible spending accounts;  company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short-term policy is company paid & long-term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time; sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave. All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.