Cheese Aging Specialist (Affineur)

At Beecher’s, we offer more than just a job, we offer a place to grow. As a producer of award-winning, authentic cheese and a proud member of the Sugar Mountain family, recognized as a Great Place to Work for six years running, we’re dedicated to the personal and professional growth of every team member.

An Affineur manages the aging and care of cheese during the maturation process, ensuring optimal flavor, texture, and quality. This role combines hands-on production work, quality control, and food safety practices.

Why Choose Beecher’s?

• $23.55 to $25.55 per hour, depending on experience, plus valuable perks & benefits
• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule: 6:00am to 2pm, supporting a reliable work-life balance
• 35% discount at all our locations
• Employer pays 75% of medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees; after 3 years, we pay 100%
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay

Responsibilities:

• Perform and support high-quality cheese aging activities, including handling, turning, washing, brushing, and monitoring cheeses throughout the maturation process.
• Maintain sanitation standards in aging rooms and workspaces.
• Conduct basic chemistry and microbiological testing of products using laboratory equipment and established procedures.
• Record and maintain testing data accurately.
• Ensure affinage procedures, equipment, and facilities meet internal standards as well as third-party and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with maintenance and organization of equipment and workspaces.
• Follow and support food safety programs, including HACCP plans, SOPs, Work Instructions, and BRC standards.
• Maintain proper documentation and sanitation practices.
• Contribute to a safe working environment through adherence to safety procedures, reporting hazards, and participating in training and equipment maintenance.
• Assist with procurement of ingredients and production consumables in collaboration with the Production Manager and Director of Production.
• Help identify opportunities to improve supply and inventory processes.

Projects:

• Development of a laboratory testing knowledge-base
• Organization of work areas using 5S methodology
• Process improvements initiatives
• Writing and updating Work Instructions

Skills and Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods and repeatedly lift 20-50 pounds for majority of shift
• Ability to move and handle heavy pallets
• At least one year of experience in food production, cheesed aging, or a related role
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and data entry
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong sanitation and quality awareness

Commitment to Our Communities:

As part of our mission to Change the Way America eats, we’ve created the Beecher's Foundation, a non-profit supported by our family of companies. Aimed at educating people about the prevalence of food additives and their possible health risks, the Foundation is about giving people the tools they need to make healthy eating choices for life.

We are committed to building a team that includes individuals from different cultural backgrounds, genders, ages, sexual orientation, and physical abilities, reflecting the diversity of the communities where we work and live.

Sugar Mountain is a tobacco- free company.

Salary : $24 - $26