Process Development & Engineering Manager

Position Summary:

The Manager of Technical Services Process Engineering  Services is required to manage the identification, development, verification and success criteria for new process technologies, and to support improvements to existing process systems.   This person will coordinate efforts between technical groups, Operations, QA, Engineering, and Senior Management, and other internal and/or  customers, and our external customers.  The manager ensures responsiveness and timelines of processing projects and management of support to meet and/or exceed our customers expectations.  Will play a lead role along with other technical groups and Engineering to drive strategy as it relates to processing, and innovation to significantly grow business.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Helps to identify, manage, and recommend production processes for new and existing product technologies in the core categories (Shortenings, Oils, Margarines, Mayonnaise, Dressings, and Sauces) for the company as well as adjacent core categories.  Will also include optimization of processes.
• Working closely with QA, Plant Operations, Engineering, and R&D teams, develops and expands the capabilities for the company through planned research and testing at the bench, pilot plant, and manufacturing levels.
• Along with cross-functional team members will identify strategic growth opportunities in processing technologies.  Must manage and coordinate one or more major project activities that impact one or all of the Ventura Foods business channels.  Included are: Foodservice, Industrial Ingredients, Consumer Products, and Export.
• Along with other technical managers, participates with business groups in developing strategy to meet business goals as it relates to volume, capacity, and variable margin expectations.
• Manages the identification, development and application of new hypotheses and/or technologies that can affect core business capabilities or result in new competencies and/or opportunities. May include technical training for Operations, R&D, and Engineering staff.
• Keeps abreast of current engineering and scientific developments in areas of interest.  May recommend patent action.
• Reviews and manages an appropriate portion of the budget as it relates to group function.
• Responsible for the development of project management and overall managerial capabilities for self and (if applicable) subordinates.  This includes leading Process Design Reviews (PDRs) to develop system requirements and verify and validate processing changes with engineering and operations with respect to equipment and product performance.
• May represent group, and/or company at industry events.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science based field, or equivalent experience is required.
• 7+ years combination of process engineering, commercialization, product development, pilot plant, project management or project engineering management experience is required.
• Ability to travel up to 40% in North America. 
• Experience in food manufacturing a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is preferred.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• Emulsion understanding is helpful.
• Experience partnering with R&D is desired.
• Pilot plant or plant production experience is a bonus.
• AutoCAD experience is desired.
• Continuous improvement or LSS experience or certification is a bonus.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and experience evaluating new technologies and business opportunities. 
• Knowledge and skill in conducting basic projects/experiments. 
• Knowledge of basic FDA and USDA regulatory guidelines, and other applicable industry standards. 
• Proficient project management skills. Interpersonal skills.  Supervisory skills.
• Ability to analyze different situations and adapt as required.  
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, project timelines, verbal and written communication.