Head Cheese Maker

Protea Recruitment is currently recruiting for a company which is recruiting for Head Cheesemaker for a boutique cheese factory based in Nairobi.

The Head Cheesemaker is responsible for the production and quality of all cheeses and leadership and training of supervisors, team leaders, and production staff, producing all major cheese types, including hard and soft cheeses.

The Head Cheesemaker will also be responsible for other dairy products, including yoghurt, fluid milk, ice cream, and other dairy products.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience producing multiple types of cheese in a commercial environment. They will also have significant experience managing team leaders and production staff, with practice in training and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the daily dairy production operations.
2. Planned and supervised the daily dairy production, including management of record keeping, inventories, and management systems.
3. Co-managed the food safety system with the Quality team.
4. Verify all documents, including daily make sheets and cleaning records, and ensure the creamery meets GFSI standards.
5. Manage weekly production schedule and staffing.
6. Maintain consistency amongst the cheesemaking staff and communicate changes in standard operating procedures.
7. Coordinate closely with dairy staff to identify seasonal changes in the milk to change the cheesemaking target.
8. Oversee dairy production and troubleshoot when required.
9. Manage daily testing of cheese to determine an initial grade for each batch. This includes accurate and relevant laboratory testing and record keeping of pH, TA, moisture content, salt content, antibiotics and another testing.
10. Managed cheese cut/pack department to ensure efficient and safe packing of finished products.
11. Manage inventory of dairy ingredients and relevant supplies. Approve POs, manage incoming supplies, and minimize costs through efficiency and purchasing decisions.
12. Serve as key contact for dairy operations. Work with QA Manager to ensure consistent production of high-quality and safe dairy products. Work with Technical Manager to coordinate Preventative Maintenance Programs, breakdowns, schedule downtime, and source equipment. Work closely with the Tasting Program Coordinator to track progress and improvement. Liaise with data analysts to monitor yields and quality over time.
13. Manage the dairy budget and COGS.
14. Supervise and manage dairy production staff

Required

• Significant expertise in making multiple cheese types in a variety of environments.
• Experience working with modern food safety systems.
• Communication in English is required.
• Experience managing teams in a modern factory environment in which multiple cheese products are produced.
• Experience developing and improving cheese recipes.
• Diploma in cheesemaking or dairy production.

Preferred

• 10+ years’ experience in cheesemaking
• Experience making many kinds of cheese, especially mozzarella, cheddar, soft cheeses, and pizza cheese.
• University or similar degree in cheesemaking or dairy production.

Compensation

• Compensation will depend on experience,
• low tax bracket 
• Other benefits will include annual travel expenses for home, health insurance, necessary work permits, housing, and a vehicle. 30-day vacation annually