Results-driven Quality Director with over 10 years of experience in a family-owned dairy business specializing in cheese and milk products. Proven expertise in quality assurance, food safety compliance, and process optimization within dairy production. Skilled at implementing rigorous quality control standards and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product integrity and customer satisfaction. Recognized for fostering a culture of excellence and maintaining strong relationships across teams and with regulatory agencies
Develop and oversee daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules to meet demand forecasts and minimize downtime.
Coordinate resources, materials, and staff to ensure smooth operations and efficient use of production capacity.
Establish and enforce quality standards for all products, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP, USDA, FDA).
Conduct regular quality checks at various stages of production, making adjustments as necessary to maintain consistency in flavor, texture, and appearance.
Lead, train, and motivate a team of production workers, supervisors, and quality control staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Develop training programs for new hires and ongoing education to keep staff current on safety, hygiene, and production best practices.
Identify opportunities for process improvement, reducing waste and maximizing yield in cheese production.
Implement lean manufacturing principles to enhance efficiency and lower production costs, achieving an X% improvement in operational efficiency.
Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and packaging, coordinating with the procurement team to maintain stock and avoid production delays.
Manage equipment and facility maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Ensure that production activities adhere to food safety, workplace safety, and environmental regulations.
Conduct routine audits and inspections, maintaining detailed records of compliance efforts and corrective actions.
Analyze production data to identify trends, forecast needs, and assess performance against KPIs.
Generate detailed reports on production metrics, quality, and efficiency for senior management and suggest actionable improvements.
Collaborate with R&D on the development and introduction of new cheese varieties, from prototype to full-scale production.
Conduct trial runs, gather feedback, and refine processes for new product launches, ensuring they align with quality standards.
Prepare and manage the production budget, tracking expenses, and implementing cost-saving measures to optimize profitability.
Review spending on materials, labor, and overhead, ensuring operations stay within budget and profitability targets.
Inspect and test incoming milk for quality and safety, ensuring it meets company standards and regulatory requirements.
Operate pasteurization equipment to prepare milk for cheese production, carefully monitoring temperatures, times, and procedures.
Measure and mix ingredients according to precise recipes, including adding cultures, enzymes, and rennet to curdle the milk.
Monitor and control the coagulation process to achieve the desired curd consistency and texture.
Cut, stir, and cook curds, ensuring that they are processed to meet the specific requirements for various cheese types.
Transfer curds into molds and operate cheese presses to shape and compact the cheese.
Place cheeses in aging rooms or storage areas and monitor temperature and humidity levels, ensuring optimal conditions for the maturation process.
Rotate and turn cheeses regularly to promote even aging and enhance flavor development.
Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, and work areas throughout production shifts to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
Follow strict hygiene protocols, including wearing protective gear and adhering to food safety regulations.
Conduct regular tests and inspections of cheese at various stages of production to ensure consistency in flavor, texture, and appearance.
Report any issues with the quality or safety of ingredients and products, initiating corrective actions as needed.
Cut, package, nd label finished cheese products according to specifications.
Inspect packaging for accuracy and quality, ensuring that each product is properly sealed, labeled, and stored.
Maintain accurate logs of production data, including quantities, batch numbers, temperatures, and any deviations from standard processes.
Complete reports as required by the production supervisor, providing feedback on production improvements.
Operate, adjust, and maintain production machinery, ensuring that all equipment runs efficiently.
Perform routine maintenance tasks and report any mechanical issues to supervisors to prevent downtime.