Entrepreneurial Cheese & Dairy Business Development

About the Farm: Join Initium Farms, a boutique farmstead in the heart of Larkspur. With a strong foundation in high-quality egg production and produce serving local restaurants, we are expanding our footprint. We feature a fully operational dairy facility and 2 environmentally controlled dedicated aging cellars (“cheese caves”) awaiting a visionary entrepreneur to partner with us to utilize our space to feature your dairy brand.

The Role: We are seeking an Entrepreneurial Partner to support our dairy program as a core business unit, offering a business development opportunity. You will have access to all brand new equipment in our facility, with the creative freedom to continue to build your brand.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Development & Brand Strategy: Collaborate on our cohesive dairy brand. Identify market gaps and develop a product line (e.g., semi-soft or hard cheeses: fresh chèvre, bloomy rinds, aged alpine style, ricotta or low pasteurized milk or yogurt products) that support our partnerships
• Partnership Management: Source and manage high-quality milk deliveries from local regional partners. Foster relationships with chefs and institutional buyers to secure pre-launch contracts.
• Production & Recipe Innovation: Lead the daily production of artisan cheeses. Act as the "Lead Maker," ensuring every batch meets the premium standards of the Initium Farms name.
• Affinage & Inventory Growth: Manage the ripening and aging process in our two dedicated cellars. Strategize inventory aging to ensure a consistent year-round supply for our partners.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Establish and maintain HACCP plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Ensure the facility meets all Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and FDA regulations.
• Facility Management: Oversee the sanitation and maintenance of the dairy facility and creamery equipment. Ensure an inspection ready environment at all times.
• Sales Support: Work with the Program Manager to represent the brand at farmers markets and provide products to restaurants and/or other partners.

Qualifications:

• Entrepreneurial Experience: 3+ years of professional cheesemaking experience (Artisan or Farmstead preferred).
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of microbiology, pH monitoring, and the chemistry of milk.
• Commercial Savvy: Familiarity with the “business of cheese,” including cost of goods sold (COGS), supply chain logistics, and wholesale pricing.
• Regulatory Savvy: Experience with FSMA, HACCP, and state dairy inspections regulations.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and work in varied temperatures (cellar vs. make-room).
• Vision: A desire to create a “signature” Colorado cheese that reflects the landscape of Larkspur.

Requirements: 

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Personal cleanliness and hygiene.
• Work at a productive, self-directed pace.

Why Join Us?

• Entrepreneurial Ownership: You are growing your businesses with the support of an established dairy facility.
• Creative Freedom: You are not just following a recipe; you are building a creamery’s identity.
• Infrastructure: Ready to go dairy facility and 2 dedicated cheese cellars. 
• Established Network: Immediate access to partnerships and institutional sales channels. 
• Community & Growth: A beautiful work environment, and the opportunity to scale a business within a farm that values sustainability and excellence.