Director, Process Technology

Description

Direct the design, development, and implementation of process related initiatives in support of the manufacturing plants. Provide technical and product group leadership to successfully implement new processes and process improvements that meet customer expectations and company safety, quality, profit, and growth targets across the division.

Location : this position can be based remotely. Frequent travel required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with the division’s functional teams to apply food science and technology principles to process development and commercialization activities
• Lead and/or participate in initiatives with customers and internal functions to improve connectivity and experience through the application of process innovations and technology
• Work with customers in multi-disciplinary teams to improve product performance and product quality and to optimize cost
• Benchmark (internal and external) process capability and performance and lead initiatives for improvement and standardization
• Grow knowledge of emerging technology and apply concepts to existing or proposed assets to advance delivery of the division’s strategy
• Act as chairman of the combustible dust and dryer safety committee by preparing and leading periodical committee meetings, setting standards for dryer safety systems, perform DHA’s and asset safety audits, investigate dryer safety events and give input for dryer safety related CapEx projects.
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure project objectives and timelines are met. Build strong working relationships with people in all functions to maximize effectiveness and efficiency through collaborative effort. Serve on cross-functional teams and support direct reports in doing the same
• Lead problem solving on difficult formulation and processing problems. This may extend to customers, vendors, and equipment suppliers as needed
• Coach and partner with operations leaders, technical functions, sales, and marketing to advance DFA knowledge of our asset capability and process/product understanding
• Establish processes and visible action plans that identify and mitigate risks through design, operation, training and control of change (process and product)
• Coach and partner with direct reports to effectively manage performance. Communicate company and cascading goals and establish goals that align with department and company goals. Provide on-going performance feedback and conduct performance conversations. Hold direct reports accountable for results and work with them to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths
• Serve as a change agent and help others learn, adapt to, and follow new processes. Apply discipline with business processes and flexibility to respond to changing customer demands
• Effectively manage the department budget. Identify and implement cost savings measures. Identify gaps and opportunities by asking appropriate questions and working with finance to obtain financial data as needed
• 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

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in food science, engineering, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 10 or more years of dairy products including spray-dried dairy products manufacturing or related experience coupled with 5+ years of management experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth understanding of food chemistry, microbiology and dairy processing
• In-depth understanding of plant operations and manufacturing processes as related to job focus
• In-depth understanding of safely operating dairy equipment including but not limited to dairy spray dryers
• Strong leadership skills
• Able to consider the impact of product changes on people, equipment, safety, food safety, and manufacturing processes
• Able to balance a strategic view of the work with the execution aspects of the role
• Able to add value through expertise and knowledge of outside technical resources
• Able to stay current in the field and serve as a resource to others
• Able to coordinate and integrate work efforts cross-functionally and form positive working relationships
• Able to facilitate cross-functional communication and coordination, and successfully execute all project details
• Able to organize and prioritize the teams’ project workload to consistently achieve positive business results
• Able to distinguish “important” from “urgent” requests and use good negotiation and communication skills to manage expectations
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel : 50% - 75% (up to 2 weeks per month)

An Equal Opportunity Employer