Within our manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland – Leprino is seeking a Cheese Department Manager to support continued growth across our cheese manufacturing operations. We believe in steady improvement through hard work, investment in our people, and thoughtful development of our processes, and this role plays an important part in that progress!
What You’ll Do:
* Lead daily cheese production for ribbon mozzarella in bulk and pack formats, ensuring safe, efficient output.
* Build strong partnerships with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Finance and HR to coordinate priorities and remove barriers.
* Develop and monitor the annual departmental budget; review spend, explain variances and adjust plans where required.
* Translate the production plan into clear weekly targets for Shift Managers and Cell Leads.
* Investigate deviations, identify true root causes and implement corrective actions that prevent repeat issues.
* Strengthen product quality by upholding Leprino standards and meeting customer specifications every day.
* Use lean manufacturing tools to improve yield, reduce waste and increase overall equipment effectiveness.
* Review performance data regularly; spot trends, write action plans and follow through on agreed improvements.
* Partner with Maintenance to increase uptime and support capital projects delivered within agreed time and cost parameters.
* Coach and develop Production Shift Managers; hold regular one-to-ones and build structured development plans.
* Foster an inclusive, transparent team culture where employees feel informed, supported and part of one department.
* Promote workplace safety, hygiene and environmental compliance so the department is always ready for internal or customer visits.
Required Qualifications:
* A third-level qualification in business, engineering, food science, or a related technical field.
* At least three years of people management experience in a manufacturing environment, with accountability for shift performance and output.
* At least one year leading or supporting multiple Shift Managers, team leads, or supervisors within production operations.
* Experience working within food manufacturing or high-care production environments with strong quality and safety standards.
* Experience managing or contributing to departmental budgets and performance reporting.
* Availability to operate outside core hours when required by the business.
Preferred Qualifications:
* A master’s degree in engineering, operations, food science, or a related technical discipline.
* Experience within dairy or temperature-controlled food manufacturing environments.
* Exposure to continuous improvement programmes that strengthen yield, reliability, and team development.
* Experience presenting operational performance updates to senior site leaders with clarity and transparency.
Benefits:
Competitive salary, participation in the company bonus scheme, a generous contributory pension, life assurance, a medical cashback plan, 25 days’ holiday plus 8 statutory bank holidays, company sick pay, onsite free parking, a subsidised canteen, a cycle to work scheme, access to an online retail discount platform, a full branded uniform, and learning and development opportunities.
At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
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