Process Innovation Pilot Plant Manager - CP Kelco

Position Summary

The Process Innovation Manager is a key member of the Process Innovation Management team and drives long term process development within CP Kelco in close collaboration with Operations (Tech Ops) and other functions.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

•  You will actively drive CPK process development with internal and external partners to bring significant improvements to our production facilities.
• High level coordination and prioritization of activities within Process Innovation together with the Innovation Management group.
• Influence others within the organization to reach agreement and accept new practices and approaches.
• Escalate issues to Innovation Leadership Team.
• Ensure a high quality of research/development work, transfer, and implementation of relevant projects for CP Kelco.
• Ensure fulfilment of accountability plans (consolidated CSFs for Process Innovation). Ensure cross-functional cooperation (GTI activities, QC, Manufacturing, Sales, etc.).
• Lead, manage, motivate, and develop employees to meet business objectives. Ensure close cooperation with other functions and effectively manage communication.
• Support ISO Certification. Always work in compliance with ISO requirements.
• Ensure safe operation of pilot plants.
• Participate in cross-organizational activities as defined in CSF plan, e.g., Programs, GTI and other projects. This can include project management, preparation of patent applications, presentation at conferences, etc.
• Maintain a high level of safety and ethics, as well as environmental and quality standards in all aspects of the business. Follow procedures, e.g., QMA.
• Stay updated on all CP Kelco products and processes both in theory and in practice.
• Employee development – Ensure that the level of employee development, performance, talent management and succession planning meets the needs of CP Kelco. Evaluate performance vs. accountabilities (PATH reviews) of Process Innovation employees.
• Administer cost to budget, suggest annual budget with strategic fit.
• Business acumen – ability to transform commercial needs into technical programs and business opportunity, and drive these for execution.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree and/or PhD in natural science, chemical engineering or similar.
• 5-7 years of experience in a similar role, experience interacting with customers and experience managing direct reports.
• Previous process Innovation Experience ensuring that process Innovation employees actively collaborate with other Innovation departments to support Manufacturing, Innovation and Marketing/Business Development with new methods, technologies and products with focus on our hydrocolloids and participate in cross-functional projects to develop and implement results. Secure knowhow and connection with knowledge centers both internally and externally to make Process Innovation the preferred partner in new process development projects.
• Formal training in people administration and development.
• Communication in English, high level in speech and writing.
• Strong team leader and team player. Good communication and motivational skills. Systematic in planning and organizing tasks. Result oriented
• High level communication skills and ability to communicate effectively across different organizational levels and functions.
• Leadership – Ability to lead diverse teams where resources may be deployed from different cultures, geographies, and functions.
• Documentation Experience – Secure thorough documentation and filing of results in the form of concluded Work Requests and Technical Reports.
• Previous QC and Manufacturing experience – Participate in problem solving and quality improvement, e.g., QI-projects, “off spec” material, complaints, etc.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and changing priorities

Salary range being offered is $111,000 - $148,000 depending on experience.

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