Cheese Packaging Specialist

Job Summary:

The Cheese Packaging Specialist is responsible for the final stage of the cheese production process—cutting, wrapping, labeling, and preparing Marieke Gouda cheeses for retail and wholesale distribution. This role ensures each piece of cheese meets strict standards for quality, weight, appearance, and food safety. The ideal candidate is meticulous, efficient, and passionate about delivering a high-end, hand-crafted product.

Key Responsibilities:

Cutting, Wrapping & Labeling

• Cut cheese wheels into wedges or blocks according to size and weight specs
• Wrap cheese using vacuum sealers, paper, or specialty packaging materials
• Apply labels accurately for product type, weight, ingredients, and traceability
• Inspect each piece for quality, including appearance, size, and packaging integrity

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all HACCP, SQF, and GMP protocols for food handling and safety
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation and sanitize tools and equipment regularly
• Document batch numbers, weights, and packaging dates for traceability
• Identify and report any product defects, temperature issues, or contamination risks

Inventory & Materials

• Monitor supply levels for packaging materials (labels, bags, boxes, etc.) and communicate restock needs
• Maintain organized storage of finished product by type and destination
• Assist with boxing and palletizing cheese for wholesale or direct shipment

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Aging and Shipping teams to ensure timely order fulfillment
• Support seasonal or custom packaging projects as needed
• Participate in cross-training to support flexibility across production functions

Qualifications:

• High attention to detail and ability to work efficiently with accuracy
• Previous experience in food packaging or handling preferred
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40 lbs repeatedly
• Comfort working in cold, refrigerated environments (~50°F)
• Basic math skills for weighing, labeling, and batching

Work Schedule & Environment:

• Full-time, Monday–Friday, with potential extended hours during high-volume periods
• Repetitive motion, lifting, and standing in cold, humid packaging areas