Sr. Supervisor - Facility & Pilot Plant at Mizkan America Inc. in Mount Prospect, IL

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

COMMENTS: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

SUMMARY: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Supervisor to oversee the day-to-day operations of our facility and pilot plant within the R&D department. This role is critical to ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of research and development activities for scientists and engineers. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a solid background in facility management, and a deep understanding of pilot plant operations for a food and beverage company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facility Management & Maintenance:

Ensure the proper maintenance and functionality of the R&D facility, including equipment, utilities, and infrastructure.
Oversee the scheduling of preventive maintenance and calibrations and coordinate repairs and upgrades as necessary with external contractors, as necessary.
Manage facility cleaning and sanitation protocols to maintain a hygienic and safe working environment.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and emergency procedures.
Optimize lab space allocation to accommodate ongoing research projects and team needs.
Plan and oversee facility expansions or reconfigurations to support new research initiatives.
Ensure the daily operation and maintenance of boilers, pumps, and water feed systems.
Ensure the daily operation and maintenance of compressed air systems.
Ensure the daily operation and maintenance of refrigeration and HVAC systems.
Monitor and manage facility-related budgets and expenses.
Ensure execution of site Quality systems and HACCP programs.
Create maintenance and facility work orders and purchase orders.

Pilot Plant Operations:

Supervise the daily operations of the pilot plant, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Coordinate scheduling of pilot plant trials and experiments, working closely with research scientists, engineers, and technicians
Ensure proper documentation and reporting of pilot plant activities and results.
Support all areas & duties as needed including but not limited to microbiology testing, swabbing, administrator, shipping and receiving.
Lead and manage SOPs and update as necessary.

Leadership and Team Management:

Manage Technicians, providing guidance, training, and support.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and continuous improvement.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members.

Safety and Compliance:

Develop and enforce safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
Conduct regular safety audits and inspections.

Project Management:

Plan and execute facility and pilot plant projects, including equipment installations, upgrades, and modifications.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and objectives are met.
Provide regular updates on project status and progress.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in facility management and/or pilot plant operations.
Knowledge in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Microbiology, Sanitation, Chemical Safety, Pest Control, and Quality Systems.
Understanding of and align with government regulations relating to OSHA, FDA, UDA, and EPA.
Strong working knowledge of food processing and facility utility systems and equipment.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements in an R&D environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of Acidified, LACF, thermal processing, fermentation, or Acetation processing is a plus
Mechanical and/or Electrical certification is a plus.
Willingness to travel (<10%) of the time for new equipment Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) or as needed for other projects

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $82,400 to $117,000.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including market location, and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Short-term incentives and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package. A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.

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