Chief Operations Officer, Low Acid Aseptic Beverages

This is a unique C-Level leadership growth opportunity within the US’s largest low acid aseptic beverage Research, Development and Manufacturing operation. You will oversee company operations including major manufacturing partnerships with the world’s largest and prestigious food & beverage companies.

Company operations also include an emerging portfolio of plant-based branded products. This is a unique opportunity to lead highly technical low acid aseptic Manufacturing, Marketing and Product Branding Operations. You will be charged with overseeing the following activities: • Directing the strategy of a 600 person company to ensure the attainment of revenue and profit goals with responsibility for profit & loss and the achievement of current and long-range objectives. • Developing the site operational effectiveness and vision and direction of the low acid aseptic beverage manufacturing and operational strategy in conjunction with the company’s long-term vision. • Leading Marketing and Brand Building strategies to ensure the commercialization and continued growth of innovative branded products. • Overseeing the management of all areas of business operations including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Marketing, Business Development and R&D Innovation Center producing company owned Elmhurst branded products and customers’ products manufactured on-schedule within quality standards and cost objectives. • Working alongside Business Development, Sales and Marketing teams to ensure continuation and growth of revenue generation through selling of branded products, R&D, Scientific Development and Manufacturing capabilities for the manufacturing and packaging operations. • Directing the scheduling of manufacturing operations and key manufacturing personnel while working within cGMP, HACCP and ISO compliance and meeting quality standards. • Driving the reduction of Cost of Goods through budgetary, financial and logistical management while ensuring the highest level of Quality and Regulatory Compliance.

Desired Skills & Experience • BS, or MS in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering or related Scientific/Engineering field. MBA a plus. • 10 years of successful GMP regulated Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology or low acid aseptic foods operations and manufacturing leadership experience. • Entrepreneurial, visionary and strategic team leadership experience with the ability to work within a dynamic fast paced ultra innovative team environment. • Strong Marketing, Sales or Brand Building expertise with past experiences leading product launches, commercialization and growth of innovative food and beverage products. • Exceptional Business Operations and Financial Management expertise with demonstrated P&L oversight, forecasting, budgeting and accounting experiences. • Excellent demonstrated technical skills to understand low acid aseptic beverage or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including knowledge of microbiology, biotechnology and biochemistry principles. • Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing expertise. • Experience working within FDA, GMP, HACCP and ISO compliance. Please note, this is a key leadership position based at a major manufacturing plant and R&D site. Living and working in the Buffalo/Niagara region is an absolute requirement for this position.