Assistant Creamery Manager - Artisan & Award Winning Cheese Production

Job Description

Job Description

Join a nationally recognized, award-winning farmstead creamery on the shores of Lake Michigan.

We are seeking a highly skilled Assistant Creamery Manager to help lead daily creamery operations and uphold the highest standards of quality, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced dairy or food manufacturing professional who thrives in both production and operational oversight.

Idyll Farms is a 500-acre regenerative goat dairy and creamery located in Northport, Michigan. We raise Certified Humane® Alpine goats on rotationally grazed pastures overlooking Lake Michigan. Our milk is crafted into small-batch, cave-aged cheeses that have earned many national and international awards, including medals at the World Cheese Awards.

The Assistant Creamery Manager guides daily workflow within the creamery to ensure operational objectives are achieved. This role supports oversight of cheese production, sanitation and maintenance schedules, regulatory compliance, documentation systems, and staff supervision.

You will work closely with the Creamery Manager to maintain efficiency, continuous improvement, and uncompromising food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities (not limited to) :

• Oversee daily cheese production and verify adherence to established protocols
• Supervise creamery staff, assistants, and leads; ensure completion of daily checklists
• Maintain production, sanitation, and regulatory logs and records
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, GMPs, safety policies, and regulatory requirements
• Assist with audit preparation and food safety documentation
• Troubleshoot production, packaging, and sanitation issues
• Operate and maintain lab testing equipment including pH meter, moisture analyzer, SCC testing, ATP systems, and related quality tools
• Evaluate production processes and critical control points for quality assurance
• Promote quality awareness and accountability throughout operations
• Assist with tours, sales support, and farmers markets as needed

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in dairy processing, food manufacturing, or related field.
• Supervisory experience in a food production environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of food safety, GMPs, and regulatory compliance Experience with regulatory audits and documentation preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Associate’s degree in related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Valid driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements (This is an active, hands-on role):

• Regular lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Extended standing and movement in production environments.
• Work around moving mechanical equipment and sanitation chemicals.

Why Join Idyll Farms?

• Leadership role in a nationally recognized farmstead creamery
• Work within a regenerative agriculture model
• Opportunity to shape systems, quality programs, and team development
• Live and work in one of Michigan’s most beautiful coastal communities

Benefits Offered

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance

Idyll Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time