Job Description

General Purpose:

Execute process‑related initiatives in support of manufacturing operations under the direction of onsite and offsite management. Drive the optimization, innovation, and commercialization of new and existing products and processes to support business and customer needs. Act as the central coordinator responsible for leading finalized product formulations from R&D through successful transition into production. Support regional manufacturing plants based on project priority and organizational demand. Provide technical expertise to cross‑functional teams supporting strategic capital initiatives and new or existing customer projects.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute process improvement initiatives across new and existing products to drive cost savings, substitutions, in‑process changes, successful item startup, improved product quality, optimized formulations, yield improvement, and loss reduction
• Collaborate with R&D scientists to support development and commercialization by evaluating production feasibility, understanding plant processes, and identifying potential risks during early development stages
• Lead scale‑up activities for new products, line extensions, and process changes, including alternate lines, process modifications, and enhanced functional properties
• Translate R&D handoffs into manufacturing execution by leading production scale‑ups, developing written scale‑up and startup instructions, and supporting operations during trials and startups
• Assist with benchtop, pilot, and plant trials, including sample preparation, coordination, and shipment to support development, validation, and customer requirements
• Complete, manage, and maintain technical product documentation, including specifications, production formulation records, mass balance verification, and implementation of formulations and production requirements within SAP related to strategic projects
• Support asset evaluation, alternate asset utilization, and validation of new or modified equipment and processes during installation, commissioning, and ongoing operation
• Maintain and continuously improve existing products and processes by validating secondary ingredient suppliers, identifying rework opportunities and acceptable usage levels, and validating alternate ingredients
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities related to cost reduction, yield enhancement, materials, data‑driven decision making, and effective use of systems and analytical tools
• Communicate technical findings, project status, and recommendations through routine written and verbal updates, while supporting sample creation, product shipment activities, schedule flexibility, travel requirements, and adherence to safety rules and behaviors
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance department on best practices for testing and releasing product
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in food science or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 3 to 6 years of dairy products manufacturing or related experience that includes training or experience with continuous improvement fundamentals
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment (Better Process Cheese School)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good understanding of food chemistry, microbiology and dairy processing
• Good understanding of plant operations and manufacturing processes as related to job focus
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of project management tools and techniques
• Knowledge of laboratory methods and understanding of process and formulation on food safety
• Able to effectively use laboratory and pilot plant scale equipment
• Able to use systems or applications with which to improve various manufacturing processes
• Able to effectively solve common problems and make decisions
• Able to work in a team environment and independently with general supervision
• Able to communicate and translate technical topics into easy to understand concepts
• Able to prioritize, plan, and organize own work
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel:

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans