Process Specialist

About the role

The Process Specialist works as part of a collaborative team to help improve the operating efficiencies in the production of high-quality cheese and/or whey ingredients. The Process Specialist performs advanced troubleshooting on all machines and processes in the assigned plant location(s).

Responsibilities

• Identify problem areas or areas for improvement in production; determine a course of action; help implement improvement and corrective actions in these areas.
• Obtain and maintain good knowledge of cheese make, cheese conversion, whey and permeate process and procedures as assigned.
• Collaborate with internal and external personnel to develop systems and procedures for new unit operations for the production of whey/dairy products.
• Accurately perform statistical analysis of laboratory and process data to identify trends, deficiencies and formulate predictions.
• Develop and write Standard Operating Procedures for production and cleaning processes.
• Work with plant, corporate and client personnel to resolve day-to-day production tasks/needs as they arise.
• Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies; immediately reporting any potential food safety issues to management.
• Work with the sales department regarding product disposition as well as with the customers. Visit customers as required to support the customer’s needs and wants for whey ingredients, such as coordinating and leading production trials.
• May work with ERP (SAP, MES, AOS) system for product disposition and formulation updates/changes for the plant.
• Engage and lead applicable AOS activities, such as centerline and CIL management, loss tree, and 90-day plan development, etc.
• Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
• Assist in the development of quality assurance programs for food processing and storage operations.
• Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Operations Management or Manufacturing Engineering required.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Minimum three (3) years of dairy processing experience preferably in a whey-processing environment (Pasteurizes, Membrane Systems, Spray Dryers, and Evaporators) required.
• Extensive dairy experience along with progressive leadership growth preferred.

Qualifications

To deliver these results, a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Operations Management or Manufacturing Engineering is required. Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered. Minimum three (3) years of dairy processing experience, preferably in a whey-processing environment, is required. Extensive dairy experience along with progressive leadership growth is preferred.

Skills

• Advanced troubleshooting skills on all machines and processes in the assigned plant location(s).
• Statistical analysis of laboratory and process data.
• Writing Standard Operating Procedures for production and cleaning processes.
• Collaboration with internal and external personnel.
• Quality Assurance policies compliance.
• ERP (SAP, MES, AOS) system usage.
• AOS activities engagement and leadership.
• Food processing and storage operations inspection.
• Development of quality assurance programs.
• Development of food standards and production specifications.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with 7% company contributions
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave

Pay

$69,500 - $86,900 (Salary will be determined based on skills, education, training & experience related to the position.)

Schedule

2-2-3 Schedule / 7:00pm - 7:00am