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The Newt in Somerset is a truly unique destination with two distinct sides.

It is a country estate with ancient woodland, historic gardens with far-reaching views, a luxury hotel, spa, and restaurants. Attracting some 200,000 visitors per year from all over the world, our vibrant and thriving garden attraction is animated throughout the seasons by special events, workshops, and educational programmes.

The Newt in Somerset is also a fine quality food & drinks brand, running a large farmland that produces a vibrant abundance of homegrown produce in a traditional, clean and sustainable way. This includes both fresh vegetable and fruit harvest, 365 days a-year, milk and dairy production, sheep and beef pastures with our own butchery, artisan bakery, mature apple orchards and state-of-the-art cyder cellar.

Our Head Cheesemaker

We are looking for an experienced Head Cheesemaker to join our Creamery and make fresh cheeses like mozzarella and yoghurt using local Buffalo and cow’s milk.

Set in a renovated dairy dating from 1914, the whole process is customer facing and we share the journey from cow to curd as part of The Newt guest experience.

Supported by the Head of Operations, you will be responsible for all aspects of cheese production as well as bringing new ideas forward for future NPD. You will also liaise with our team of very talented chefs.

The Head Cheesemaker is responsible for overseeing the production of high-quality cheese & dairy products, ensuring that they are produced safely, efficiently, and in accordance with all relevant quality standards. The head cheesemaker should be very creative and be used to artisan processes and recipes to be able to deliver great products with the story to match! They should have a passion for education and be able to confidently share the product and processes. They should have a good knowledge of mozzarella and milk qualities and structures and how this may change throughout the seasons. The Head Cheesemaker is also responsible for managing the cheese production team, maintaining equipment and facilities, and ensuring that production targets are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement cheese production plans in line with customer demand and business goals.
• Oversee the production of a range of high-quality cheese & dairy products and ensure they are produced safely, efficiently, and to the required standards.
• Manage a team of cheese production staff, ensuring that they are appropriately trained, motivated, and supervised to carry out their roles effectively.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure that the highest quality raw materials are used in cheese production and manage inventory levels to ensure that there are no production delays or stock shortages.
• Ensure that all production processes are compliant with relevant health and safety regulations, and that all staff are trained to follow these protocols.
• Maintain a clean and organized production facility, including all equipment, tools, and machinery, to ensure that production is carried out in a safe and hygienic environment.
• Monitor and analyse production metrics, including yields, quality, and efficiency, and develop strategies to continuously improve these metrics.
• Work with sales and marketing teams to develop new cheese products and packaging formats to meet changing customer needs and preferences.
• Keep up to date with industry trends, technology advancements, and regulatory changes affecting cheese production, and adapt production processes accordingly.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years of experience in cheese production, including supervisory experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cheese production processes, equipment, and materials.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a team of production staff.
• Analytical skills to monitor and analyse production metrics and develop strategies to improve them.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritize tasks to meet production targets.
• Strong attention to detail, with a focus on maintaining high standards of product quality and safety.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations and industry standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team

Optional experience as a bonus factor:

• Project management.
• Change management.
• Experience in new site set ups in the food industry.