Production Operator Lead

Agropur Cooperative; United States; On-site; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life

Disability Insurance (Short & LongTerm

401(k) with up to 7% company

3 Weeks PTO on day 1

Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

Paid parental leave

Advancement Opportunities

Healthy work life balance

2 pay increases within first year

Job summary

Agropur’s Little Chute, WI plant, home to about 140 employees, is a top cheese producer serving the appetizer industry. The facility emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and a culture where action matters and safety is prioritized.

The role offers competitive pay of $30.33/hour with night shift differential and a 2-2-3 schedule, plus overtime and Sundays double time. Benefits include health, retirement, PTO, and growth opportunities in a fast-paced dairy environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum five (5) years of related experience required.
• HTST Operators License required.
• Cheesemakers License required.
• PCQI required.
• Forklift or Powered Pallet Jack (in-house training provided) required.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and maintain knowledge of Agropur’s production/cheese process and all equipment/machinery involved.
• Act as back up for plant employees as needed due to breaks, illness, vacations, etc.
• Maintain equipment/machinery and adjust as necessary to ensure cheese quality.
• Assemble Hydra Molder during start-up and product changes.
• Assemble String Machines during start-up.
• Shut down machine/disassemble at shift’s end.
• Properly set up form on molders, identifying all forms used according to customer specifications.
• Properly set up string horns, identifying all horns used according to customer specifications.
• Complete and document proper CIP/Sanitation.
• Working knowledge of running the Milk UF, Permeate pasteurizer, milk pasteurizer, milk separator and cream pasteurizer.
• Knowledge of all the documentation needed for equipment in the pasteurizer room.
• Responsible for all ACV procedures in the cheese making process.
• Ensure milk fats are consistent; adjusting as needed.
• Ensure the make schedule, recipe and standardization methods are loaded properly in the HMI program.
• Operate AFV’s including pH meter, water addition and rework addition.
• Troubleshoot problems with the cheese and salting tables as needed.
• Whey Processing: starting up whey separator, whey pasteurizer, whey RO and POL. Monitor equipment and make adjustments throughout shift. Complete CIP on whey equipment.
• Maintain silo schedule for concentrated whey and water silos.
• Ensure brine system is running and balanced properly. Add salt and water as needed. Transfer brine from flume to tanks. Start up, shut down and CIP of the Brine UF system. Select and run correct flumes based on production schedule.
• Ensure correct recipes are selected with production schedule. Use correct cooker pods and string pods. Adjust cooker temps as needed. Shut down cookers and complete transfer line flushes. Complete and document proper CIP/Sanitation.
• Adhere to master cleaning schedule and gasket program.
• Assist Production Supervisor in training and development of new employees; instructing new employees on procedures, safe working practices and quality product.
• Assist Production Supervisor with delegation and troubleshooting processes as needed.
• Complete and sign off on Pre-op inspections before machines start.
• Stop observed GMP violations. Take corrective action if no supervisor present. Report issues.
• Meet goals and objectives established with production supervisor.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Stop observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Report safety hazards and support safety policies and programs.

Skills

Communication

Written communication

Results-driven

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Type: Regular

People are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone’s impact truly matters. At Agropur, accountability means owning challenges and taking concrete action to achieve results. An environment that empowers you to take action.

Rate of Pay

$30.33/hour. Night Shift Differential Pay $1.50. NIGHT SHIFT: 7pm-7am, 2-2-3 Schedule. Double time on Sundays.

Benefits and Perks

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions
• 3 Weeks PTO on day 1
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Advancement Opportunities
• Healthy work/life balance
• 2 pay increases within first year

Responsibilities

• Obtain and maintain knowledge of Agropur’s production/cheese process and all equipment/machinery involved.
• Act as back up for plant employees as needed due to breaks, illness, vacations, etc.
• Maintain equipment/machinery and adjust as necessary to ensure cheese quality.
• Assemble Hydra Molder during start-up and product changes.
• Assemble String Machines during start-up.
• Shut down machine/disassemble at shift’s end.
• Properly set up form on molders, identifying all forms used according to customer specifications.
• Properly set up string horns, identifying all horns used according to customer specifications.
• Complete and document proper CIP/Sanitation.
• Working knowledge of running the Milk UF, Permeate pasteurizer, milk pasteurizer, milk separator and cream pasteurizer.
• Knowledge of all the documentation needed for equipment in the pasteurizer room.
• Responsible for all ACV procedures in the cheese making process.
• Ensure milk fats are consistent; adjusting as needed.
• Ensure the make schedule, recipe and standardization methods are loaded properly in the HMI program.
• Operate AFV’s including pH meter, water addition and rework addition.
• Troubleshoot problems with the cheese and salting tables as needed.
• Whey Processing: starting up whey separator, whey pasteurizer, whey RO and POL. Monitor equipment and make adjustments throughout shift. Complete CIP on whey equipment.
• Maintain silo schedule for concentrated whey and water silos.
• Ensure brine system is running and balanced properly. Add salt and water as needed. Transfer brine from flume to tanks. Start up, shut down and CIP of the Brine UF system. Select and run correct flumes based on production schedule.
• Ensure correct recipes are selected with production schedule. Use correct cooker pods and string pods. Adjust cooker temps as needed. Shut down cookers and complete transfer line flushes. Complete and document proper CIP/Sanitation.
• Adhere to master cleaning schedule and gasket program.
• Assist Production Supervisor in training and development of new employees; instructing new employees on procedures, safe working practices and quality product.
• Assist Production Supervisor with delegation and troubleshooting processes as needed.
• Complete and sign off on Pre-op inspections before machines start.
• Stop observed GMP violations. Take corrective action if no supervisor present. Report issues.
• Meet goals and objectives established with production supervisor.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Stop observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Report safety hazards and support safety policies and programs.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be expanded to include additional responsibilities as management requires.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of related experience required. Previous work experience in a food safety or manufacturing environment required.
• Certification/Licensure: HTST Operators License required. Cheesemakers License required. PCQI required. Forklift or Powered Pallet Jack (in-house training provided) required.
• Skills: Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Results driven, bottom-line oriented, strive to exceed goals, and motivate self and others. Provide actionable positive and corrective feedback. Work with minimum supervision, adapt quickly. Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, priorities, multitask, meet deadlines. Pay attention to detail, quality and cleanliness. Follow instructions, perform routine tasks, complete checklists. Solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience. Basic math (fractions, decimals, percentages). Basic computer operational skills, input and retrieve information. Meet expectations and requirements of customers. Work in fast-paced environment. Strong interpersonal skills. Professional manner and constructive relationships.
• AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

EEO and Diversity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants.

We will work with candidates who request accommodation.

Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.

Location

Our Little Chute, WI, plant is home to about 140 employees. This facility is a top manufacturer of IQF sticks that are supplied to the appetizer industry.

Agropur’s US operations produce 1 billion pounds of quality, award-winning cheese each year. We create more than 20 different varieties and provide whey protein and dry ingredients which are by-products of the cheesemaking process.

Agropur is an E-Verify Employer (US Operations).