Junior Cheesemaker (Gauteng) at Nurture Brands

• We are seeking a hands-on and motivated Junior Cheesemaker to join our production team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about dairy processing to grow their technical skills in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities
Production Operations

• Prepare cheesemaking vats, pipelines, and equipment prior to production in accordance with sanitation and production standards.
• Receive pasteurized milk and verify temperature, quality parameters, and volumes before production.
• Accurately assemble ingredients including cultures, rennet, calcium chloride, and salt according to approved recipes.
• Monitor and control cheesemaking processes including coagulation, curd cutting, stirring, cooking, draining, molding, and pressing.
• Operate cheesemaking equipment including vats, pumps, curd cutters, presses, and brining systems.

Process Monitoring

• Monitor critical process parameters including temperature, pH, coagulation time, and curd development.
• Conduct routine quality checks during production to ensure products meet specification.
• Monitor brining processes and salt levels where applicable.
• Report any deviations in process or product quality to the Production Manager immediately.

Production Documentation

• Record all production data including milk volumes, ingredients, temperatures, and process times.
• Complete batch sheets and production records accurately to ensure full product traceability.
• Monitor daily cheese yield and report any deviations or inefficiencies.

Quality and Food Safety

• Ensure strict adherence to Food Safety Management Systems (HACCP, GMP, PRPs).
• Follow hygiene protocols including correct use of PPE and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain clean production environments and ensure equipment is cleaned and sanitized before and after use.
• Work closely with Quality Control teams to ensure product compliance with specifications.

Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with assistant cheesemakers and production staff to optimize production efficiency.
• Assist in reducing raw material losses and improving cheese yield.
• Support production trials and product development when required.

Requirements

• 1–2 years’ experience in a cheesemaking or dairy processing role.
• Grade 12 qualification; a qualification in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, or Food Science will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety practices in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic understanding of cheese fermentation and dairy processing principles.
• Ability to follow recipes, specifications, and production instructions accurately.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Excel and production documentation).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and work overtime when required.

Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:

• Hands-on and practical
• Passionate about food production
• Detail-oriented and quality focused
• Reliable and accountable
• Able to work well within a team environment