Job title: Cheesemaker
Company: Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses
Sales: £8m
HQ: Inglewhite, Lancashire
Number of employees: 60

What’s it like to work for your company? Hard work! But it’s a reasonably informal environment as it’s a family business, and very innovative – there is always something new to get your teeth into.

Why is it a good employer? It’s supportive and works very much like a family. It demands maximum effort but has a flexible approach where possible to accommodate personal and family needs. There is open access to decision makers, and no politics to contend with.

What’s the best thing about working there? There can be no greater satisfaction than walking into a restaurant or shop and seeing the product you made on the menu or shelf. Hearing people talk about it and saying “wow, have you tried this?” is a very special feeling. Then there is the industry recognition.

How does the company differ from its rivals? Quality is the most important aspect of everything we do and will not be compromised. We are based in a rural village so respect and support for the community is important to us too.

Is there a definable company culture? “It’s our quality that has got us to where we are today and it’s our quality that will keep us there”.

If the company were a car what would it be and why? A Land Rover Defender: a little basic around the edges but it’s built to last and can go anywhere with a little direction and TLC.

What’s the training like and what qualifications can I earn? Much of the training is achieved via mentoring. However, we encourage and support any external training courses, including NVQs. We also have a special relationship with Lancaster University Management School.

What’s your proudest achievement of the past 12 months? We have won gold standard awards for all our cheese varieties in 2011, including supreme champion at the prestigious Cheshire Show with our Blacksticks Blue cheese.

Are you looking for any people right now and, if so, where? We are specifically looking for cheesemakers to make both soft and hard cheeses.

How does one go about applying for a job? Give the office a call on 01772 781500 or find our contact details on the website.

What tips would you offer jobseekers? Be a passionate foodie and swot up on varieties of cheese from around the world. Have an opinion about the way they are presented for sale.

How do I find out more about the company? Via the website, email or phone, look at our cheese in the shops and restaurants.

Are you, or is the company, working on anything exciting right now that you can tell us about? Yes and no! We are going through a period of growth and have some exciting new products planned. We are also working with one of the major high street retailers on a new initiative that will involve all our staff and hopefully increase employee wellbeing at the same time as growing our business 

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