The Senior R&D Scientist collaborates with various departments, including R&D/Innovation, sales, procurement, finance, and quality assurance, to drive product functionality and market readiness. Key responsibilities include conducting optimization projects, mentoring team members, managing material risk assessments, and leading projects with a focus on ROI and efficiency. The Senior Scientist will also conduct experiments, evaluate new technologies, and participate in sensory analysis and shelf life studies, using their planning and project management skills to ensure successful outcomes and manage production processes effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides strong expertise and technical leadership on new product development, functionality in end products, and commercializing them in collaboration within R&D/Innovation, and crosscollaboration with commercial (sales), procurement, finance, and quality assurance departments.
• Conducts optimization projects based on sound understanding and knowledge of OINA capabilities
• Mentors and upskill others on technical leadership, project management, material risk assessment
• Initiates and drives projects, focusing on ROI, efficiency to address short-term and long-term business needs & support other projects as needed
• Develops and commercializes high quality, innovative, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable cheese solutions
• Contributes to determine new approaches within existing business and to identify new business opportunities
• Conducts pilot and production plant experiments to test and develop new products and processes.
• As necessary, conducts laboratory evaluations on composition and functionality of products and ingredients
• Investigates new technologies for producing safe, high quality food products
• Participates in on-going sensory/organoleptic analyses and shelf-life studies of Ornua products as required 
• Uses planning and organization, time management, and project management skills to deliver results
• Establishes control limits for production items and manages process/formulation changes.
• All other responsibilities as assigned

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Self-motivated aptitude with a progressive approach and a sense of urgency.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Adept to transfer scientific knowledge to operational and practical applications.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• Excellent analytical, and organizational skills
• Write professional reports, prepare presentations and other business correspondence
• Work as a member of a team
• Excellent people skills with ability to work with individuals from different disciplines
• Proficient computer skills.
• Able to manage time effectively to meet deadlines and adjust appropriately to changes in priorities. 
• Ability to travel 25% of their time to other OINA locations, customer sites and industry events  
• Willing and able to taste and conduct sensory analysis on a variety of dairy and nondairy food products

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food, Dairy, or related scientific field with at least 5 years of industrial experience or advanced degree (MS/PhD) in closely related scientific field with at least 3 years of experience and/or acquired knowledge and experience in the field of dairy ingredients and non-dairy ingredients and their quality, functionality and interactions within cheese matrix.
• Experienced in developing standardized/non-standardized processed cheese or imitation cheese
• Experience working in application lab, pilot plant systems and with laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience working in Food industry - B2B product development, formulation, and commercialization of cheese/dairy/food products
• Familiarity with FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) cheese standards, and dairy products guidelines, definitions, nutritional and labeling claims.
• Experience or familiarity working with starch systems, protein matrices and/or plant-based cheese
• Lean Six Sigma experience/certification or likewise preferred
• Culinary experience designing custom applications with custom cheese ingredients will be a plus
• Working knowledge of sensory science and texture analysis techniques

Ornua Ingredients North America is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. 

CLOSING DATE 4/25/2025

#LIInDirect #Onsite #Hilbert

Do you have a passion for food production and plant operations? Have you been looking for the next step in your career to lead production operations? Ornua Ingredients North America is hiring a Production Manager in our Whitehall East location in Whitehall, WI.   Work with our operations team in Whitehall to build our ingredients business to the next level at Ornua!

Why Ornua? 

• Our co-operative ethos lies at the heart of how we do business as a purpose and values-led organization, creating value for Irish dairy farming families.
• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• Professional growth and development opportunities to advance your career including Global Mobility opportunities.
• Comprehensive Benefits with regional specific offerings that start Day One.
• Progressive Parental Leave including 20 weeks of maternity leave, 4 weeks of parental leave and a phased return to work.

Why This Role Is Valuable:

The Production manager is directly responsible for creating and maintaining a safe working environment and producing safe and quality products while maintaining least cost manufacturing. The Production Manager ensures that the weekly customer orders detailed on the Production Schedules are translated into finished goods by trained employees that reach customers at the requested time.  This individual oversees all Packaging and Production employees and ensures that they adhere to the site’s Safety and Food Safety programs. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Issue the Production Schedule and Production records (Blender, Cooker, Powder sheets) to appropriate personnel
• Ensure that the appropriate level of trained staff are available
• Work with Quality Assurance to enact OINA’s HACCP-based Food Quality and Safety procedures, policies and protocols onto the production floor. Ensures that the necessary standard operating procedures (SOP) have been and continue to be established
• Responsible for employee training on newly established SOPs that have been and continue to be established
• Ensure the necessary record keeping and documentation encompasses with all programs takes place
• Update daily board with OEE’S and monthly boards with KPI’s
• Adjust weights on bulk fillers as needed
• Assist in necessary scrape downs for product changeovers
• Determine when daily breaks are to occur in Production and Packaging rooms
• Problem solves any people or equipment related issues on Production and Packaging floors as they occur. Document issues as they occur via written reports and/or photography and work to resolve issues with the Operations Manager
• Audit Production Standard Operating Procedures and Job Hazard Analyses annually
• Track absenteeism, time-keeping, and safety violations
• Lead employees to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment
• Oversee departmental training for all Production employees
• Document Production employee training and maintain training records
• Conduct semi-annual employee reviews; review department JSAs with Production employees
• Research and/or initiate continual education training for Production employees
• Observes Production employees for adherence to site’s Safety Practices.
• Provide effective performance feedback through employee recognition, rewards, and disciplinary action, with the assistance of Human Resources, when necessary
• Ensure effective employee relations. Provide employee coaching and development. Make employment decisions. Resolve employee issues through problem resolution

What You Bring To The Role:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or relevant field required
• Must have at least 5 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 3 years’ experience leading a production work force, with food companies, and ideally cheese companies 
• Knowledge of using computer programs, including Word and Excel • HACCP/Good Manufacturing Practice knowledge and understanding a must
• Inventory control experience needed
 

CLOSING DATE 4/25/2025

Ornua has ambitious growth plans and we’re building a team to help enable and accelerate that growth. We are looking for people who share our values, are curious, forward-looking, take ownership and work together to build a future for themselves and Ornua. How do you want to make your impact?

LIIndirect #Onsite #Whitehall

Ornua Ingredients North America custom formulates and manufactures a complete line of pasteurized process cheese products. We are looking for an energetic, fast-paced, hardworking and reliable employee to join our Production team!

The Warehouse Stacker/Forklift Driver will stack, organize and store product to meet customer specifications in compliance with company policy related to GMP’s and Safety.

Essential Functions:

• Operate the Stacking machine within Warehouse
• Stack product in accordance with customer expectations
• Use fork lift to return product to racking
• Use appropriate material handling equipment to move product and materials from/to designated locations to support bulk activities in an efficient and safe manner.
• Efficiently load/unload /transport product.
• Assist in daily housekeeping and maintenance of department.
• Understand the safety culture and strive for 100% compliance concerning safety observations.
• Perform miscellaneous activities as directed to support the efficient operation of the department.
• Be flexible with regards to working in any other positions in the warehouse as needed.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience working in a warehouse setting preferred but not required
• Prior forklift experience preferred
• Must be dependable and show a stable work history
• Good written and verbal skills
• Basic math, language and reading skills; basic computer skills may be required
• Maintain a clean and safe environment

Physical Demands:

• Must be able and willing to work in an environment that is not climate controlled
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs consistently when working as a Stacker
• As a warehouse stacker- must be able to stand on feet for full 10-hour workday
• Ability to adjust body position to bend, stand, walk, turn, and pivot
• Ability to read and comprehend shipping and receiving reports and pick slips
• Ability to make minor decisions based on standard practice

Ornua Ingredients North America is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The FSQA Tech I is an introductory role in Ornua Ingredients North America FSQA department.  Entry-level employees must demonstrate the awareness, acumen, and willingness to become proficient with all inspections and procedures related to Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs, and will assist the FSQA Department in performing and documenting all regulatory compliance requirements.  The FSQA Tech I works closely with production staff in reporting any out - of -  specification products, ingredients, or conditions as soon as possible.  He/She will work cross-functionally to ensure all employees follow GMP’s and Quality protocols as defined by local, state, and federal regulations. Must be highly motivated and organized with the willingness to learn. May occasionally be required to lift up to 55 lbs.

Schedule: 

Monday - Friday, 6am - 2pm, Overtime as required.

Wage:

$18 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Efficiently learns and retains knowledge about inspection and analytical procedures
• Contributes to special projects as assigned by FSQA Lead
• Contributes to the Positive Release and Hold Program
• Assists BRCGS in Food Safety Program review in preparation for BRCGS Audits
•  
• Performs Redzone QMS Inspections
• Becomes trained in and perform internal audits
• Understands and enforces facility GMP sand safety requirements
• Informs upper management immediately of any food safety risks or significant non-conformances and take action to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the Food Safety and Food Adulteration / Food Defense programs
• Applies knowledge of customer expectations and Food Safety & Quality standards to adequately protect customer and regulatory requirements
• Assists with decision-making, assessing risk, trouble-shooting, problem solving
• Completes any task as assigned by FSQA Lead

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school education
• Microsoft Tools

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry Degree
• General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Sanitation, and Production
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with Dairy

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Strong oral, listening, written and electronic communication skills in order to communicate with facility leadership. Ability to read and understand procedures, and accurately record / transcribe data.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, averages, density, area, circumference, and volume with accuracy and ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING SKILLS

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions given in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to effectively multi-task with delegation in order to effectively manage challenges involving several variables in standardized situations. Ability to critically analyze processes and procedures to identify and assess potential food safety hazards and quality defects

• Lead the development of category growth strategies, utilizing shopper and retail insights, competitive analysis and market data.
• Serve as the primary category expert and advisor for key US retail partners, providing strategic guidance on product assortment, pricing, placement and promotional activities.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of consumer behavior, market trends, and sales performance using syndicated data sources (e.g. Circana, Nielsen) to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop actionable insights to drive category performance and retail partnerships.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the execution of category management projects, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.
• Partner with Marketing, Finance and Sales to understand the commerciality of key decisions regarding the Kerrygold portfolio and special projects as assigned.  
• Develop powerful sell in stories (in collaboration with the Sales and Innovation teams) grounded in category, shopper and consumer insights to secure listings of Kerrygold innovation and expansion of current assortment distribution.
• Support delivery of reporting for total business and critical segments (butter, cheese).
• Presenting category performance and drivers to the Exec team each period.
• Manage vendors to ensure accurate data and quality of service (e.g. Circana, Nielsen, Stratum).

• Previous experience in a Category role, ideally with 5+ years of FMCG experience
• Undergraduate degree in an analytical or research field
• Highly numerate
• Strong analytical skills and proven ability to deliver actionable insight
• Able to articulate data concepts to a non-expert audience
• Advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills
• Advanced use of Circana/ Nielsen (POS and Panel)
• Strong presentation skills
• Experience solving problems independently and working well as a part of a team
• Commercially aware
• Flexibility to travel to customer meetings as required

• Previous sales experience
• Knowledge of joint business planning
• Knowledge of shopper marketing processes

• Expertise: Applies effective professional skill, analysis, decision making, planning and reviewing.
• Communicative: Communicates confidently, adapting style for different situations.
• Forward Looking: Responds positively to change and looks ahead to anticipate tasks.
• Working Together: Is supportive, co-operative and inclusive.

The Maintenance Manager plans, directs, and controls the efforts of the Maintenance Department to maintain plant equipment and facilities commensurate with good engineering practices for multiple locations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Accountable for the preventive maintenance program, and maintenance of production equipment and facility
• Develops, trains, maintains, and administers an organization qualified to maintain all equipment and facilities in a safe and efficient working condition
• Executes an effective preventive maintenance program to minimize unscheduled down time
• Maintains all operating equipment in satisfactory conditions
• Schedules needed repairs to have minimum interference
• Assures that production equipment can produce within the specifications and tolerances established by the equipment manufacturer
• Consults with Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, and the Production Department regarding desirable modifications of existing equipment and facilities and the possible replacement of existing equipment, which will improve operations and reduce maintenance costs
• Coordinates with project engineers the efficient operation of all facilities necessary to the distribution and usage of electric power, natural gas, refrigeration, and water
• Responsible for the efficient maintenance of all plant transportation equipment
• Analyzes cost studies of proposals for new facilities and equipment in the department designed to secure reduced operating costs
• Makes recommendations to the Plant Manager
• Develops objectives and standards of performance for projects within the Maintenance Department required to meet departmental and corporate goals and objectives
• Plans and provides for an adequate supply and ensures control over spare parts and maintenance supplies
• Oversees department budget and ensures all work completed is within budget parameters
• Keeps and updates equipment and facility records and procedures, such as equipment manuals, schematic drawings, and facility drawings
• Ensures that all equipment and facility installations and/or modifications meet or exceed all regulatory agency i.e. (USDA, FDA, OSHA, ADA, EPA) standards and complies with all Company policies and/or procedures
• Ensures all departmental personnel receive proper training to maintain HAZMAT 24-hour certification
• Adheres to all Quality policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity
• Adheres to all Safety policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity
• Adheres to all GMP policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity
• Other duties as assigned by management 
• Supports WSI ‘great place to work’ initiatives and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field or equivalent experience in related field with background and experience in engineering and maintenance of equipment and facilities
• Driver’s license

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY: 

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• Must possess a balance of the technical, human relations, and conceptual skills required to achieve results through subordinate supervision
• Demonstrated ability in planning and organizing, controlling, coordinating, and directing a Maintenance Department
• Must be capable of evaluating and weighing alternatives, establishing relative priorities, and formulating decisions that affect all phases of the operation
• Write professional reports, prepare presentations and other business correspondence
• Work as a member of a team
• Influence consensus in a matrix organization
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and act upon them
• Time management skills
• Document management
• Uphold confidentiality of sensitive information
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• High attention to detail
• Maintain excellent attendance

EQUIPMENT:

• Multi-line phone
• Computer
• Scanner/fax/printer/copier
• Vehicle

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit occasionally
• Walk continuously
• Stoop, bend and kneel to perform work activities occasionally
• Walk occasionally as needed to move about inside the office to access file cabinets,

office machinery, etc.

• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel, Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare office related items
• Constantly operates a computer, phone, and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy

machine, computer printer, etc.

• Climb stairs/ladders
• Communicate verbally with employees and vendors
• Vision requirements include reading computer screens, identifying colors, anticipating employees and visitors
• Ability to lift and carry office related items up 25 pounds as needed in the office (supplies)
• Works in general office conditions regularly
• May be exposed to general manufacturing operations requiring personal protective equipment such as uniform, bump cap, safety glasses and hearing protection
• Potential exposure to noise more than 85 decibels, caustic, acid, hot equipment, mechanical hazards, heat, and cold

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Assigned based on project

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• 10 – 15 maintenance technicians in multiple locations

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional local travel
• Rare travel to other WSI locations

CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 4/25/2025

Ornua Ingredients North America is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.  We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an Employment Visa at the time.

LIInDirect #Whitehall #Manufacturing

Ornua Ingredients North America custom formulates and manufactures a complete line of pasteurized process cheese products. We are looking for an energetic, fast-paced, hardworking and reliable employee to join our Production team!

Essential Functions:

• Open barrels, block, or bags of cheese and other ingredients
• Weigh the ingredients to the specified amount per individual batch sheets
• Use knives and wires to cut and trim the ingredients to the correct weights
• Place bags of cheese into boxes and send through to get taped and boxed
• Stack packed boxes of cheese onto a pallet
• Transfer ingredients from the scale to the pick-up tables
• Heavy lifting and the ability to load cheese into grinders is required
• Maintain a clean and safe work areas
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Solid work history is a must
• Basic math, reading and communications skills

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and more available on Day 1!
• PTO given on Day 1!
• 3 Personal Days per year!
• And more!

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand on your feet for long periods of time- (10-hour days)
• Ability to talk, hear and carry out directions in a safe and efficient manner
• Ability work with hands and to lift up to 50lbs repetitively and occasionally up to 100lbs
• Ability to adjust body position to bend, stand, walk, turn, and pivot
• Ability to make minor decisions based on standard practice

Ornua Ingredients North America is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The Warehouse Tech I re-palletize cheese that has cooled and prepares it for warehouse storage.  The Warehouse General Laborer works in a team environment to prepare cheese products to ship to customers. All tasks are performed in a busy environment with limited supervision.

The Warehouse Tech I will prepare, receive, order and export warehouse deliveries, to include job site content and consumables.

   Schedule Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm, overtime as necessary

Wage - $17 per hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The stacker re-palletizes cheese that has cooled down under 50 degrees.
• Sample and check the cheese as required and deliver to the Quality Control lab for testing.
• Stack pallets of properly cooled cheese while inspecting the boxes for damage or any other variation; report deficiencies to proper parties.  
• Clean up spills in a timely manner and keep work area orderly.
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements.

• Complete all necessary cleaning and workplace sanitation requirements.
• Record production/warehousing information in a tablet, scanner, computer or by hand.
• Identify variation in cheese manufacturing processes, troubleshoot and report to supervisor if unable to resolve.
• Attend all required company training.
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.
• Other duties may be required as needed to meet production demand.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Verbal/written communication skills
• Work as a member of a team
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and act upon them
• Time management skills
• Uphold confidentiality of sensitive information
• High attention to detail
• Maintain excellent attendance

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Physical Requirements:

• Continuously lift 25 pounds, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Stand continuously
• Vision including the ability to read, distance vision and peripheral
• Walk frequently
• Climb ramps or stairs
• Push/pull materials form conveyors
• Sit rarely

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

• Hearing protection
• Bump cap
• Hair net
• Uniform
• Safety glasses
• Safety shoes
• Gloves

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Sampling tool
• Ergonomic lift table
• Broom, shovel, dustpan, dustmop, mop, squeegee
• Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Knives
• Markers, pens
• I-Pad
• Scanner
• Computer

Environmental Conditions

• Refrigerated warehouse environment
• General manufacturing conditions

This job description is not an employment contract and may be modified at any time at the discretion of the company.

Ornua Ingredients North America custom formulates and manufactures a complete line of pasteurized process cheese products. We are looking for an energetic, fast-paced, hardworking and reliable employee to join our Production team!

Essential Functions:

• Open barrels, block, or bags of cheese and other ingredients
• Weigh the ingredients to the specified amount per individual batch sheets
• Use knives and wires to cut and trim the ingredients to the correct weights
• Place bags of cheese into boxes and send through to get taped and boxed
• Stack packed boxes of cheese onto a pallet
• Transfer ingredients from the scale to the pick-up tables
• Heavy lifting and the ability to load cheese into grinders is required
• Maintain a clean and safe work areas
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Solid work history is a must
• Basic math, reading and communications skills

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and more available on Day 1!
• PTO given on Day 1!
• 3 Personal Days per year!
• And more!

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand on your feet for long periods of time- (10-hour days)
• Ability to talk, hear and carry out directions in a safe and efficient manner
• Ability work with hands and to lift up to 50lbs repetitively and occasionally up to 100lbs
• Ability to adjust body position to bend, stand, walk, turn, and pivot
• Ability to make minor decisions based on standard practice

Ornua Ingredients North America is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.