We are seeking an experienced Process Engineering Leader to guide pilot-scale production operations while also shaping the long-term strategic direction of the pilot facility supporting company-wide innovation. This position is ideal for someone who balances technical leadership with a corporate-level, future-focused mindset—someone who creates value by influencing standardization, network efficiency, new technology integration, and scalable innovation.
This role requires a growth mindset and the ability to contribute to broad innovation efforts, including new product development, process optimization, and forward-looking manufacturing capabilities. This leader will elevate the function by driving long-term, enterprise-level initiatives that strengthen the overall R&D and manufacturing ecosystem for a growing portfolio of products.
ROLE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Provide leadership across all pilot plant functions to include working closely with production, planning, QA, warehousing, and maintenance ensuring reliable execution of test batches, trials, and small-scale production runs.
- Oversee scheduling and resource planning for pilot operations, ensuring alignment with R&D timelines and customer or consumer test needs.
- Ensure strict adherence to GMPs, food safety requirements, regulatory standards, and internal manufacturing guidelines.
- Drive strategic, multi-year projects to modernize pilot workflows, expand capabilities, and ensure readiness for future innovation pipelines and scaling needs.
- Lead initiatives focused on standardization, technology adoption, and network efficiency, ensuring pilot operations align with enterprise-wide manufacturing and R&D strategies.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to support seamless collaboration and accelerate commercialization efforts.
- Manage the pilot plant budget, staffing strategy, maintenance programs, safety protocols, and sanitation processes for relevant work areas.
- Make suggestions to senior director to enhance plant infrastructure through space optimization, new equipment investments, improved material flow, and introduction of innovative processing technologies.
- Develop and mentor a small team to include training and career development planning.
BACKGROUND/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Must have at least 5 years’ experience in food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing working as a process engineer supporting new product research and development.
- Candidate work experience will have a strong orientation toward innovation, corporate-level impact, and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated experience leading multi-functional teams and coordinating complex project activities across engineering, operations, and R&D.
- Strategic thinking abilities with a history of influencing long-term initiatives—not just day-to-day operations.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
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Industry 1: Consumer Goods
Industry 2: Food & Beverages
Industry 3: Food Production
Job ID: 45652154662
Category: Supply Chain & Operations
Location: Tampa, FL