Technical Services Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead technical programs supporting processed cheese operations, product improvements, and development of new technical processes.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and the Perham team on barrel cheese requirements, raw material specifications, receiving criteria, supplier approvals, and raw material testing.
• Manage existing cheese formulations and develop new formulas, initial product specifications, and ongoing least-cost formulation improvements.
• Communicate applicable regulatory requirements related to formulations, ingredients, and product specifications to appropriate departments.
• Plan and coordinate plant trials, including raw material inventory needs, product demonstrations, and sensory evaluations.
• Lead technical aspects of commercialization and scale-up trials, including product sampling, testing criteria, and disposition recommendations.
• Provide after-hours technical troubleshooting support for recipe and formulation issues as needed.
• Coordinate specialized quality assurance testing procedures and collaborate with Quality Control on product concerns and customer complaints.
• Coordinate production and inventory management activities for Enzyme Modified Cheese (EMC).
• Provide research and development support to improve or establish processed cheese production procedures.
• Track technical projects, document results, communicate findings, and collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and other teams to achieve project goals.
• Maintain current technical knowledge through continuing education and relevant industry developments.
• Consider, research, and evaluate shelf life extensions for raw materials.
• Follows all job-related standard operating procedures
• Follows all company policies
• All other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• College Degree and/or 3-5 years’ experience in recipe formulations (preference to cheese)
• Ability to learn basic computer skills as needed
• Must demonstrate a commitment of both food and employee safety.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Apply problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and make timely decisions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Adapt to changing priorities, schedules and production demands.
• Maintain composure and professionalism under pressure or during emergencies.
• Understand and apply safety, quality and regulatory standards (e.g. GMP, HACCP, OSHA).