R&D Project Coordinator; Cheese

Overview

Within our Corporate Cheese Division's R&D team, Leprino is seeking an R&D Project Coordinator to support innovation, portfolio evolution, and customer-focused development work. In this role, you will coordinate projects that keep R&D work moving forward, connect cross-functional teams, and create space for scientists to focus on technical development. This position plays a hands-on role in bringing ideas from concept to commercialization while improving how routine project work gets done.

Starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $69,000 and $77,000
. This position has an annual target bonus of 5%.

• Coordinate R&D cheese projects from early concept through commercialization, keeping scope, timing, and budgets clear.
• Build and maintain project plans that support innovation, portfolio updates, and customer maintenance work.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and share progress updates that keep teams aligned and informed.
• Support innovation platforms and partnerships with the Disruptive Innovation team to expand development capacity.
• Coordinate new product formulations for customers in the Retail, CPG, Food Service, and QSR space.
• Organize procurement-related projects, including new materials, suppliers, factories, and supply continuity efforts.
• Support sales teams by preparing samples, nutritionals, and materials that help improve customer margins.
• Coordinate packaging updates, routine transitions, and customer extensions, including projects tied to new labels or boxes.
• Maintain clear project documentation, timelines, and change logs throughout each phase of work.
• Identify process improvements that simplify workflows and reduce repeat work for R&D scientists.
• Help streamline SOPs, templates, and project tools so work moves efficiently and consistently.
• Step in as a central resource for project close-outs, sampling support, and coordination tasks that free scientists to focus on technical development.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of experience coordinating projects in R&D, food manufacturing, product development, or a similar setting.
• Experience using Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and tracking projects across multiple work streams.

• Master's degree in Food Science, Business, or a related field.
• Experience supporting food or dairy product development from concept through commercialization.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or similar software.
• Experience supporting procurement-related projects involving materials, suppliers, or supply continuity.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal.

Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company."

From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?