Process Optimization Engineer

Darigold is looking for a Project Startup Manager/Process Optimization Engineer, this position will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of the startup phase for our new dairy process facility. This role ensures that all aspects of the startup process are managed efficiently, safely, and within budget. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project management, dairy processing, and a strong understanding of engineering principles. This position begin as a Project Startup Manager transition to a Process Optimization Engineer after the Plant is fully operational.

In this role, you will play an influential leadership role in identifying improvement opportunities and executing projects to drive tangible results. The ideal candidate for this role will have at least 5 years of progressive experience in the dairy manufacturing industry. You will get the opportunity to be the hands-on project manager in a highly visible space. You will have to have a keen eye for detail and be a great communicator. The successful candidate will have a great attitude and the ability to flex your style and connect with a diverse group of people.

What You Will Do

• Identify, prioritize, and eliminate process losses.

• Possess working knowledge of common methods to define problems, identify gaps in performance, gather supporting data, design solutions, implement improvements, measure results, and sustain results.

• Design, implement and maintain systems to collect and analyze data for critical product and process parameters to identify process losses.

• Collaborate with line management to prioritize improvement opportunities.

• Eliminate or reduce (prioritized) losses through process or work system changes.

• Define equipment operating standards.

• Lead and coach process benchmarking & reapplication.

• Standardize equipment and work processes.

• Use Reliability Engineering tools to drive center lining and loss elimination.

• Standardize and improve changeovers and Clean in Place (CIP) activities.

• Serve as a change agent to challenge existing processes in place. Use data to communicate and support the opportunities that exist.

• Update process control strategies and operating procedures as changes occur.

• Collaborate with Line Leaders and line team (frontline workers) to develop new standards.

• Work with cross-functional teams to evaluate financial and operational impact regarding process improvement opportunities.

• Coach and collaborate with the line teams and site and regional equipment or process owners to upskill at all levels of the organization.

• Prepare and give training on process/equipment changes.

• Become a technical expert for a designated process.

• Direct and coach the change management & validation processes.

• Own the Change Management (CM) system for designated processes.

• Share and reapply learning across processes, modules, and plants.

• Lead, build and coach the capability of process failure technical troubleshooting.

• Responsible for managing both capital and process improvement projects to ensure desired results are met within the budgeted time and cost.

• Provide feedback to design (materials & product initiatives) and lead smart standardization deployment.

• Develop self through participating in corporate and external training.

• This position requires the ability to adjust schedule to support 24/7 manufacturing operations, which may include working overtime, graveyard shift and/or weekends as needed.

• Ensures adherence to safety standards and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

• Project Planning and Coordination:

• Develop comprehensive project startup plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, quality control, and supply chain, to ensure alignment and efficient execution.

• Oversee procurement and installation of equipment, ensuring compliance with specifications and timelines.

Facility Setup and Commissioning:

• Lead the commissioning and startup of the dairy process facility, ensuring all systems and processes are fully operational.

• Conduct system tests and quality checks to ensure all equipment is functioning correctly and efficiently.

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the new facility.

Startup Timeline Management:

• Manage the project utilities startup scheduled for December 2024.

• Oversee milk receiving operations starting in March 2025.

• Coordinate the commencement of powder processing in April 2025.

• Ensure butter processing begins in May 2025.

• Monitor progress to ensure all milestones are met according to the startup timeline.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure all startup activities comply with safety regulations and industry standards.

• Promote a strong safety culture, providing training and resources to staff as needed.

• Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions as necessary.

Team Leadership and Training:

• Manage a team of startup personnel, providing direction, support, and mentorship.

• Coordinate training programs for staff on new equipment and processes.

• Foster a collaborative and motivated work environment.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Monitor project budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and within approved limits.

• Identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact project timelines or budgets.

• Report regularly on project progress, including financial performance and key milestones.

• Other duties may be assigned.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree: Engineering, Food Science, Operations

• 3-5 years of operations engineering experience with progressive levels of responsibilities

• Dairy Manufacturing experience.

Nice to Have's

• Master's degree: Engineering

• 5+ years of experience

• Lean Six Sigma Green and/or Black Belt

• Experience using Lean Continuous Improvement tools to identify opportunities and drive improvement.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to identify problems, draw conclusions, and make recommended solutions. Forthright about opinions and recommendations.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills. Detail oriented and ability to meet deadlines working independently. Ability to handle multiple assignments, sometimes under tight deadlines.

• Develop positive, collaborative working relationships with internal and external customers, vendors, and stakeholders. Effectively lead cross-functional teams. Fundamental skills in influencing and persuasion.

• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.

• Self-motivated and self-directed, with a high sense of urgency. Ability to prioritize and multitask. Ability to work in a fluid environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Overall strong computer skills and an ability to learn new programs rapidly.

Benefits of Working at Darigold

We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We're proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package - that includes:

• Employer 401K contribution of up to 9%

• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits

• Employer paid life & disability coverage.

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• 8 weeks paid parental leave.

• Employee assistance program

• Community giving through matching donations.

• Compensation range: $101,541-$124,106 (individual wage based on previous experience, knowledge, and skills)

• Relocation assistance may be available

Our Commitment to Diversity

Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect where all employees feel included and can bring their best and authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a condition of employment applicants offered a role will be required to successfully pass our pre-employment background screen, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish.