Pilot Plant Operations Manager

Nestlé S.A.; Michigan; On-site; USD 107,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé S.A. is seeking an experienced Research & Development Operations Manager to lead pilot plant operations at the Fremont site, driving trials for strategic R&D initiatives in Global Meals and drinks categories.

You will oversee operations, maintenance, and the NMS program, coaching a cross-functional team while ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Collaboration with Quality and Food Safety is essential for successful industrialization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years related work experience.
• Experience managing people in a technical or operational function.
• Experience leading or contributing to the preparation of CapEx project submissions and basic project management experience would be an added benefit.
• Basic knowledge of ISO 22000 / NQMS / HACCP / Food Safety / NGMP / EFCA.
• Ability to lead, coach and develop people.
• Strong team player, excellent communication/relational and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with Digital and AI tools in manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operational management and planning to execute Pilot Plant trials in a timely and efficient manner.
• Coordinate all aspects of Maintenance and Improvement of Pilot plant equipment and local IT infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance of Pilot Plant facilities and infrastructure in terms of Quality & Food Safety, SH&E, Nestlé Policy, Guidelines and Regulations
• Ensure material and finished product availability from procurement and final disposition.
• Lead and coach team to deliver on performance objectives, define personal and professional development plans / career development
• Support innovation efforts and transfer knowledge of new technologies to support industrialization and Factory Start-up.
• Facilitates small to medium-scale projects in the pilot plant.
• Management of operating expenses and continuous improvement of the operations (efficiency, effectiveness, and capacity).
• Partner with Quality Management lead and provide leadership of NMS program to sustain compliance and improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills

People management

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Digital/AI in manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology

Job description

Research & Development Operations Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Pilot Plant Manager provides leadership and strategic direction related to NDC Fremont’s Pilot Plant, site (culinary center, labs) operations, maintenance, and the NMS program (in partnership with the Sr. Manager of Quality and Food Safety). Manage day-to-day requirements of the pilot plant operations to ensure flawless execution of trials for strategic R&D initiatives for the Global Meals and drinks baby food category.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operational management and planning to execute Pilot Plant trials in a timely and efficient manner.
• Coordinate all aspects of Maintenance and Improvement of Pilot plant equipment and local IT infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance of Pilot Plant facilities and infrastructure in terms of Quality & Food Safety, SH&E, Nestlé Policy, Guidelines and Regulations
• Ensure material and finished product availability from procurement and final disposition.
• Lead and coach team to deliver on performance objectives, define personal and professional development plans / career development
• Support innovation efforts and transfer knowledge of new technologies to support industrialization and Factory Start-up.
• Facilitates small to medium-scale projects in the pilot plant.
• Management of operating expenses and continuous improvement of the operations (efficiency, effectiveness, and capacity).
• Partner with Quality Management lead and provide leadership of NMS program to sustain compliance and improve efficiency and effectiveness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Technology, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 7 years related work experience.
• Experience in managing people in a technical or operational function
• Experience leading or contributing to the preparation of CapEx project submissions and basic project management experience would be an added benefit.
• Basic knowledge of ISO 22000 / NQMS / HACCP / Food Safety / NGMP / EFCA
• Ability to lead, coach and develop people.
• Strong team player, excellent communication/relational and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with Digital and AI tools in manufacturing preferred.

Salary: $107,117.10 to $154,599 per year

Bonus Eligibility: 10%

Thepay rangeprovided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.