Website Nurture Brands
Nurture Brands was established by EXEO Capital, to provide investors with a platform through which they can invest in the leading functional- and convenience food producers in Southern Africa. The need for “convenience” is being driven by rapid urbanization and changing consumer habits. The N… read moreurture Brands strategy is to invest in companies that focus on providing food products and related services in this rapidly changing consumer environment. Sustainability and Innovation will be at the heart of the Nurture Brands strategy. We have the luxury of establishing an ethos and value system that provide a sound basis for Nurture Brands as an investment holding company, to be a driving force in the Southern African food system of sustainability through innovation. The Nurture Brands Group will ultimately consist of a number of themed “clusters” under which a number of related businesses we invest in will be grouped to maximise their impact and synergy. Nurture Brands is led by a seasoned board of directors that have more than 100 years of food- & investment experience between them.
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
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