Department Manager (Whey)

Leprino Foods Company • Roswell, NM

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Within our 600-person manufacturing facility in Roswell – Leprino is seeking a Department Manager (Whey) to lead the whey production department, support safe and consistent operations, and develop supervisors and teams responsible for converting liquid whey into high-quality finished whey and dairy nutrition products. We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it is why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, or a closely related field — or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of experience in food manufacturing as a previous department manager, superintendent, or even a small plant manager.
• 2+ years of experience managing other people leaders (supervisors).
• Proficiency using manufacturing systems and standard computer tools, with the ability to learn SAP.
• Able to work weekends, swing, and overnight shifts.

Nice To Haves

• Prior managerial experience in whey, dairy nutrition, or powder production environments.
• Technical understanding of evaporation, drying systems, and powder handling operations.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, and sanitation practices that ensure food safety excellence!

Responsibilities

• Build, guide, and support the Whey Production Department to convert liquid whey into finished products that meet quality, nutrition, and customer specifications.
• Develop supervisors through coaching, mentoring, and regular feedback to grow technical and leadership capability across the department.
• Create clear production plans and schedules that balance drying operations, maintenance, and staffing needs efficiently.
• Write and maintain training plans that strengthen technical knowledge, safety awareness, and quality practices specific to whey processing and powder production.
• Lead safety efforts by setting clear expectations, modeling safe behaviors, and improving daily safety routines.
• Oversee quality and sanitation programs to protect food safety, product integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with plant teams to improve yields, reduce waste, optimize dryer performance, and strengthen daily operations.
• Manage department budgets and monitor costs while maintaining product quality and operational stability.
• Communicate openly with supervisors and plant partners to share updates, challenges, and progress.
• Build a collaborative, inclusive environment where people feel supported, encouraged, and part of the team.
• Support employee development conversations and recognition efforts that highlight growth and contribution.

Benefits

• A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world.
• Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager