Lead Cheesemaker & Production Leader

Ballerina Farm; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health benefits including medical, and

Parental Leave

Job summary

Ballerina Farm is seeking an inspired Head Cheesemaker to help build and grow a world-class cheese program at its Hideout production site. The role will lead the production and aging process from start to finish, combining traditional techniques with modern efficiency.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical cheesemaking experience, a passion for the science and craft of cheese, and a proven ability to train and lead a team toward high quality, consistent results in a regulated dairy

Qualifications

• Commercial dairy/creamery cheese production experience.
• Strong knowledge of cheese, cultures, aging, and milk chemistry.
• Ability to scale recipes and optimize production systems.
• Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Leadership and training skills to mentor a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead batch production per established recipes for cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, and ice cream.
• Safely operate dairy equipment including pasteurizers and separators.
• Maintain sanitation routines and CIP/COP protocols to meet food-safety standards.
• Monitor temps and times; perform basic quality tests on fat/solids.
• Oversee packaging, labeling, and FIFO inventory management.
• Maintain production logs and regulatory records per FDA/USDA/state requirements.
• Direct day-to-day cheese production and schedule coordination with other teams.
• Conduct trials to improve recipes, processes, yield, and consistency.
• Train and develop team members; enforce SOPs and quality expectations.
• Collaborate with Culinary, Retail, and E‑Commerce for product launches.

Skills

Cheesemaking experience

Leadership

Quality control

Dairy production

SOPs

Job description

Ballerina Farm is seeking an inspired Head Cheesemaker to help build and grow a world-class cheese program at its Hideout production site. The role will lead the production and aging process from start to finish, combining traditional techniques with modern efficiency.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical cheesemaking experience, a passion for the science and craft of cheese, and a proven ability to train and lead a team toward high quality, consistent results in a regulated dairy