Production Processing Manager

Kerry; Byesville (OH); On-site; USD 103,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Taste & Nutrition in Byesville, OH is seeking a seasoned Production Processing Manager to lead aseptic operations in a high-speed beverage/dairy setting. You will drive safety, quality, and continuous improvement while ensuring production targets, yield, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 5–10+ years in manufacturing, hands-on experience with UHT, CIP/SIP, SCADA/PLC controls, and strong leadership for cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology or related field.
• 5–10+ years in beverage or dairy manufacturing.
• 3+ years in aseptic /UHT processing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day aseptic processing operations (UHT/HTST, mixing, blending, sterilization).
• Ensure production targets for volume, yield and efficiency are met.
• Monitor and optimize CIP and SIP processes.
• Maintain safety-first operations and promote the safety culture.
• Coordinate with packaging and maintenance teams for seamless operations.
• Ensure FDA compliance and HACCP plans.
• Lead investigations for deviations or contamination risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, waste reduction).
• Analyse process data to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology or related field

Tools

SCADA

PLC controls

Process automation

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About The Role

Kerry Taste & Nutrition

Location Byesville, OH

Department Operations

Reports To Plant Manager / Operations Manager

Key responsibilities

Production Processing Manager

• Lead day-to day aseptic processing operations (mixing, blending, UHT/HTST systems, sterilization)
• Ensure production targets are met for volume, yield, and efficiency)
• Monitor and optimize CIP (Clean-In Place) and SIP (sterilize-in-Place) processes
• Manage day to day operations with Safety first mindset and embracing the safety culture
• Coordinate with packaging and maintenance teams for seamless operations

Food Safety And Quality

• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and aseptic processing requirements.
• Maintain HACCP plans and critical control points.

Partner with QA to ensure product sterility and consistency

• Lead investigations for deviations, contamination risks, or non-conformance

Equipment & Process Optimization

• Manage aseptic processing equipment such as
• UHT systems
• Homogenizers
• Aseptic tanks and fillers
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, waste reduction yield improvement)
• Analyse process data to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop processing Operators, leads, and technicians
• Conduct training on aseptic techniques, safety and SOP’s
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and performance evaluations

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure adherence to OSHA safety standards.
• Maintain accurate batch records, logs, and audit documentation
• Support internal and external audits (FDA/Customer Audit/BRC, 1 KPS, etc.)

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with R&D on new product commercialization and scale-up
• Partner with maintenance on preventative maintenance and troubleshooting
• Coordinate with supply chain for raw material availability.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology or related field is required

Experience

• 5-10+ years in beverage or dairy manufacturing
• 3+ years in aseptic /UHT processing preferred
• Experience with high-speed, automated production environments required

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of aseptic processing principles and microbiology.
• Familiarity with systems like SCADA, PLC controls, and process automation
• Understanding of HACCP, GMP’s and food safety standards.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Attention to detail and regulatory compliance

KPI’s/Success Metrics

• Production efficiency and throughput
• Yield and waste reduction
• Downtime and equipment (audit results, deviations)
• Employee engagement and retention

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to heat, noise, cold and processing equipment
• May require flexible hours, including weekends or shifts

The pay range for this position is $103,000 - $132,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 9/30/26

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Kerry is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, and career development. Kerry also takes affirmative action to ensure that minorities, women, disabled veterans, and other protected groups are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.