Description
Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.
At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.
As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.
In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.
At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.
Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.
From your PASSION to ours
Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Cheesemaker based in our Merrill WI facility.
Our CHEESEMAKER is responsible for producing high quality, safe, and consistent products by monitoring and adjusting production lines as needed to maintain moisture, spice usage, and yields within acceptable limits. Job duties will adhere to FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practice and Safety standards.
Starting wage of *$25.00 per hour
*A training increase of $1.50 per hour following completion of required training needed to obtain a WI Cheesemaker license (approximately 18 months).
Work Schedule
Monday through Thursday with a start time of 3:00 a.m.; must be able to work Friday during increased production, as business needs require. The Merrill facility manufactures products during a first shift schedule and cannot offer scheduled end times. The Cheesemaker position typically works an average of 12 hours per day, with some flexibility. No weekend work.
Responsibilities
- Monitor cheese vats and oversee the cheesemaking process.
- Measure and weight ingredients for various cheese recipes.
- Accurate completion of daily production paperwork.
- Produce quality products while adhering to Good Manufacturing and Food Safety Practices.
- Interact with team to maintain an open line of communication enabling efficient process flow.
- Maintain clean and organized work area.
- Must be able to multi-task and be a self-starter; take initiative to ensure the continued flow of the production process.
- Maintain a safe work environment by following safety rules and using sound judgement for immediate action in reporting or correcting unsafe acts/hazards.
- Communicate with other departments regarding product quality and production issues.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is preferred but not required.
- Proficient analytical skills and mathematical skills.
- Must be willing to obtain WI Cheesemakers License (supported and paid for by the Company)
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Personal qualities of tact and dependability
- Must be able to self-direct and work independently with a strong commitment to integrity.
- Able to multi-task while ensuring accuracy during the cheesemaking process
- Possess good manual dexterity and able to push/pull/lift and carry at least 50 pounds occasionally (e.g. twisting, gripping, lifting, bending, reaching).
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in a manufacturing environment; working in a fast-paced environment around moving equipment.
- Stable and dependable work history is required
- Prior work experience that displays strong attention to detail and accuracy
At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.
Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.
#CHEESEIND
Skills Required
- Minimum two (2) years' work experience in a manufacturing environment
- Able to work Monday-Thursday with a 3:00 a.m. start time and average 12-hour shifts; able to work Friday as needed
- Must be willing to obtain WI Cheesemakers License (company supported and paid)
- Proficient analytical and mathematical skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Good manual dexterity and ability to push/pull/lift and carry at least 50 pounds occasionally
- Ability to multi-task, self-start, and work independently with integrity
- Maintain clean and organized work area and follow safety rules (GMP/Food Safety)
- High School Diploma or GED
- Stable and dependable work history
What We Do
Lactalis American Group is the U.S. subsidiary of the world's largest dairy company, producing a wide assortment of cheeses and distributing UHT milk under brands like Président® and Galbani®. They are passionate about making great dairy products that connect people and enrich daily life.
