Cheesemaker Job Description (Free Template)

This Cheesemaker job description sets out the main duties, qualifications, skills and measures of success for the role, which is also known as Cheese Maker, Cheese Production Operative, Cheese Vat Operator or Artisan Cheesemaker. Download it free as a Word or PDF template and adapt it for your own vacancy.

Download Word template

Download PDF

Job title	Cheesemaker
Also known as	Cheese Maker, Cheese Production Operative, Cheese Vat Operator, Artisan Cheesemaker
Department	Dairy processing
Reports to	Head Cheesemaker
Direct reports	None

What does a Cheesemaker do?

Makes cheese in vats by following set recipes and procedures. Adds cultures and rennet, cuts, cooks and drains the curd, then moulds, presses and brines the cheese, while keeping accurate records and high hygiene standards.

Cheesemaker duties and responsibilities

Making cheese in the vat

Fill vats with milk and check the temperature before starting
Add cultures, rennet and other ingredients in the right amounts and at the right time
Test the curd set and cut it to the correct size
Cook and stir the curd to the set temperature and time
Check acidity (pH) at key stages and adjust the make as instructed

Draining, moulding and pressing

Drain the whey and handle the curd carefully to protect yield and texture
Fill moulds, turn cheeses and press them as the recipe says
Place cheeses in brine and record brining times
Label cheeses and move them to the ripening or storage areas

Records and quality

Record times, temperatures, pH and ingredient batch numbers for every vat
Take samples for the laboratory as required
Tell the Head Cheesemaker straight away about any make that does not go to plan
Help check cheeses during ripening for appearance and texture

Hygiene and safety

Follow hygiene rules on hand washing, clothing and footwear
Clean and sanitise vats, moulds, tools and the make room after each make
Handle cleaning chemicals and hot water safely
Report accidents, near misses and hazards straight away

Cheesemaker qualifications and experience

Essential

Basic reading, writing and number skills, including weighing and measuring
Ability to follow recipes and written procedures exactly
Willingness to learn cheesemaking skills
Good attendance and timekeeping
Willingness to work shifts, including early starts and weekends

Desirable

Basic food hygiene certificate or similar
Experience making cheese or working in food production
Basic understanding of pH and starter cultures
A short cheesemaking course or similar training

Skills and attributes

Attention to detail
Careful record keeping
Patience and care when handling curd
Good timing during each stage of the make
Teamwork
Interest in cheese and food quality

How success is measured

Cheese meets recipe, quality and food safety specifications
Yield and waste within target
Complete and accurate make records for every vat
Make schedule completed on time
Equipment passes hygiene checks
No accidents or injuries

Working conditions and safety

Early starts and shift work, which may include weekends. The make room is warm and wet and the brine and ripening rooms are cool; the work involves standing, repeated movements and lifting, and PPE is provided.

Follow health and safety rules and safe systems of work, and wear the correct PPE
Follow food safety, hygiene, HACCP and quality procedures at all times
Report hazards, accidents, near misses and concerns promptly

Cheesemaker interview questions

Use these questions to assess candidates for a Cheesemaker role. Each one includes what a good answer shows.

Can you describe the main steps of making cheese in a vat?
What a good answer shows: Covers milk, cultures, rennet, setting, cutting, cooking, draining, moulding, pressing and brining in the right order.
How do you know when the curd is ready to cut?
What a good answer shows: Mentions a clean break test or set time, and following the recipe and the Head Cheesemaker's guidance.
Why do you check pH during the make?
What a good answer shows: Understands acidity shows how the culture is working and affects texture, flavour and safety.
What records do you keep for each vat?
What a good answer shows: Times, temperatures, pH, ingredient amounts and batch numbers, written accurately at the time.
How do you keep the make room and equipment hygienic?
What a good answer shows: Cleans and sanitises vats, moulds and tools after each make and follows personal hygiene rules.
What safety risks are there in cheesemaking, and how do you manage them?
What a good answer shows: Names hot water, chemicals, wet floors and lifting, and describes PPE and safe ways of working.
Cheesemaking often starts early. How do you make sure you are always on time?
What a good answer shows: Plans ahead, has reliable travel, and understands a late start affects the whole make.
How do you work with others in the make room on a busy day?
What a good answer shows: Communicates timings clearly, helps others at key stages, and shares information about each vat.
The curd is not setting in the expected time. What do you do?
What a good answer shows: Checks temperature and records, tells the Head Cheesemaker, and does not guess or add extra rennet alone.
You realise you added the wrong amount of culture to a vat. What do you do?
What a good answer shows: Tells the Head Cheesemaker straight away, records it honestly and follows their decision on the vat.

Hiring a Cheesemaker? Advertise your vacancy on Dairy Jobs and reach a combined network of over 250,000 dairy professionals worldwide, or ask our team about recruitment support. Looking for a Cheesemaker job? Browse live dairy jobs or create a free job alert.

Related dairy job descriptions

Frequently asked questions

What does a Cheesemaker do?

What qualifications does a Cheesemaker need?

Employers usually look for: basic reading, writing and number skills, including weighing and measuring; ability to follow recipes and written procedures exactly; willingness to learn cheesemaking skills.

Who does a Cheesemaker report to?

A Cheesemaker usually reports to the Head Cheesemaker.

Can I use this Cheesemaker job description for my own vacancy?

Yes. Download the free Word template, add your location, contract and salary details, and adapt the duties to your site. You can then advertise the role on Dairy Jobs.