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.
Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:
- Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
- Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
- Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
- Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs
- Salary Base Range of $123,900 – $163,900 for Employees Located in California*
- Annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions)
*The “base salary range” provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The range provided is for California-based employees as Ventura Foods is required by California State Law to post pay rates. Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.
Physical Demands:
Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.
Work Environment:
In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards. May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
