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).