This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Mars PN NA Pet R&D pilot plant and supporting the design, set-up, and operation of food processing/packaging systems. The position will support the process and product development teams in the Pilot Plant to deliver scale up learnings to numerous roadmap projects. The position will have responsibility to achieve people safety, food safety, quality and sanitation, customer service, and efficiency while delivering innovation objectives. The individual will provide direction, leadership, development, and support to direct reports through empowerment, teamwork, on the job assignments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Food).

• Food processing and packaging experiences.

• Demonstrates technical competency in small- and large-scale manufacturing systems and processes.

• Advanced understanding of process and packaging development, trouble shooting, problem-solving and data interpretation skills.

• Excellent project management skills and ability to manage multiple simultaneous demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in R&D and/or supervisory experience.

• Experience as a manager in a food processing facility with knowledge including, but not limited to, quality control, production scheduling, regulatory compliance, maintenance and management of processing equipment, knowledge and experience in food plant sanitation, HACCP, GMP’s, Better Process Control School.

• Experience working in a pilot plant environment.

• Knowledge of Pet Food.

• Proven track record of acquiring proficiency in new technologies quickly.

• Solid grasp of extrusion and thermal processes.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Develop and lead a team of associates to meet and/or exceed performance expectations and conduct company standards for personal safety, productivity, quality, food safety, sanitation.

• Manage, prioritize, and coordinate pilot plant testing to meet business needs, quality standards, and cost constraints. Plan, organize and coordinate work activities of technical personnel and test scheduling to meet demand requirements.

• Plan, execute, and monitor scale-up research projects, working closely with researchers and industry representatives.

• Manage R&D facilities, equipment and systems in functional, sanitary, and safe working condition while meeting all regulatory requirements.

• Develop a working knowledge of extrusion and retort processes, thermal processing, material handling and standard food unit operations, packaging equipment.

• Develop a working knowledge of operational capabilities (controls, automation, maintenance, inventory management, capital management, etc) to best develop and optimize new products and Smart pilot plant processes.

• Perform safety, GMP, and pre-operational audits.

• Lead and drive continuous improvement efforts for the pilot plant processes and testing requirements.

• Implement new operating procedures. Recommend and implement equipment changes as needed.

• Maintain involvement and influence in the development and implementation of new products, processes, and material changes.

• Help develop and implement cross-training programs for team members.

• Engage associates through the communication of a compelling vision and clear mission.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.