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.

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.

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