Process Optimization Manager - Cheese

Why Grande?

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy,” Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast‑to‑coast to ensure they’re delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can’t be matched. While Grande’s reputation of excellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit – our Associates come first  complement our industry‑leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work.

If you want to learn more about our company – what we do and how we go about it – or learn more about our beautiful, state‑of‑the‑art corporate headquarters, visit

• Low‑cost onsite health clinics.
• Free onsite fitness center.
• Free healthy snacks throughout facility.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Associate cheese purchasing program.
• Two‑year mentorship program.
• Relaxation rooms (based on location).
• Coffee and gelato bar (based on location).
• Paid Paternal Leave.
• State of the art corporate building:

In Fond du Lac (FDL) you get the full four‑season experience – warm in the summer with highs reaching into the 80s and plenty of sunshine for golf, biking, camping and live music under the open sky, and brisk air in the winter with average temps in the 20s and ample snow for snowmobiling, cross‑country skiing, ice fishing and winter festivals.

The greater FDL area (population 43,000) is easy to get around and roughly an hour drive to almost all major metros in the state (Milwaukee, Madison and Fox Cities/Green Bay). We’ve been rated “Top 100” in job growth among small U.S. metro areas. Additionally, our cost of living is 4% below the national average and you’ll pay 21% less for housing, rent and property taxes compared to the rest of the country.

From wonderful educational partners (public and private K12 schools and three local colleges/universities), a plethora of things to do/see, and a vibrant business and commerce community…learn more about how you can call Fond du Lac, HOME!

We’re seeking a technically skilled, data driven leader to elevate our cheese making operations across our Enterprise  
Process Optimization Manager – Cheese will drive continuous improvement, reduce process variability, and standardize best practices while partnering closely with Cheese makers, Operations, Quality, and Engineering. This role blends scientific expertise, Lean Six Sigma methodology, and hands on project leadership to enhance quality, efficiency, and consistency Enterprise wide.

• Lead enterprise‑wide continuous improvement and standardization of cheese making processes
• Train and mentor teams in Lean Six Sigma, statistical tools, and best practice decision making
• Manage technical projects, including lab analyses, pilot trials, and data driven process improvements
• Collaborate cross functionally to enhance quality, reduce variability, and improve operational performance

• 4 Year Bachelors Degree or other advanced degree in Food Science or other related field required. An emphasis in Dairy Technology preferred. An equivalent level of experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) or more years’ experience in producing dairy products which must include working with cheese making equipment and quality related systems.
• Experience with conducting laboratory testing and procedures in relation to dairy products is required.
• Cheese makers License Preferred.
• Certifications preferred:
  Pasteurizer Operator Certification and Six Sigma, Black Belt Certification.
• Ability/willingness to travel to other Grande facilities approximately 40% of the time, based on project needs.
• Proficient in using statistical tools (Mini Tab, SAS or equivalent).
• Experience in and able to carry out projects using project management process (write…