Technical Process Innovation and Automation Manager

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed following our two core principles; continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so we can deliver ours. Above all, we're dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets-our team members. That's reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, regard and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of the team's future success!

Summary of Role: The Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, implementing, and managing new or enhanced quality process automation and digitization initiatives. This role aims to streamline quality processes across various departments—including Quality, Research and Development (R&D), Procurement, and Plant Operations—to reduce redundancy, enhance collaboration, ensure data accuracy and consistency, and provide real-time visibility into plant quality metrics. Additionally, the manager will oversee the continuous improvement of established systems to align with evolving business needs.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead PLM Specification System Enhancement: Oversee the continuous improvement of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) specification system, SpecRight. Responsibilities include conducting training sessions, resolving system issues, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure data accuracy and system integration. Develop and maintain comprehensive work instructions and documentation.
• Expand System Capabilities: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to extend the functionalities of the SpecRight system to areas not currently covered, such as:
• Integration with D365 systems
• Vendor management, including qualification, performance scoring, and non-compliance tracking
• Label management
• Customer/consumer complaint management
• Project workbench for R&D formulation
• Drive Supply Chain Quality Data Automation: Lead initiatives to digitize and automate quality data within the supply chain. Examples include:
• Making plant floor equipment control system data accessible in real-time, presented in control chart formats to enable frontline workers to promptly address quality deviations.
• Expanding the use of digital tools to eliminate manual recording of quality data on the plant floor.
• Implementing automated quality laboratory data capture systems.
• Identifying and executing additional opportunities to enhance food safety, product quality, transparency, and operational efficiency.
• Explore AI and Automation Tools: Take a leadership role within the quality department to explore and implement artificial intelligence tools and applications aimed at streamlining document handling and reducing administrative burdens.
  
  

Education, Experience, And Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in the formulated food product industry, with significant exposure to specification management.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with PLM specification systems, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and related business systems such as SAP, AX, or D365. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications is required, along with intermediate skills in databases, SQL, and Visual Basic. Familiarity with AI technologies and tools is advantageous.
• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated success in managing projects of similar scope, with the ability to creatively identify and evaluate opportunities, develop actionable plans, and collaborate effectively to achieve measurable results.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of industry best practices related to product specification lifecycle management, food safety, and product quality standards.
• Personal Attributes: Self-motivated with a strong initiative, excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and exceptional presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
  
  

This role is pivotal in advancing the company's quality process automation efforts, ensuring that systems and processes are efficient, collaborative, and aligned with organizational objectives.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $118,900-$164,400.00.

Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four-percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care-insurance, critical accident insurance, short and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.