Senior Director of Plant Technical Services

$188,000 - $282,000/Yr

Chobani - New Berlin, NY

Full-time - Senior

New Berlin, NY

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Senior Director of Plant Technical Services at Chobani will oversee all aspects of manufacturing engineering, automation, utilities, wastewater management, and spare parts inventory at the New Berlin, NY site. This leadership role is crucial for ensuring peak plant efficiency, reducing downtime, and maintaining food safety and quality standards. The successful candidate will collaborate with various departments to drive continuous improvement and implement effective technical services strategies.

Responsibilities

• Providing leadership for the technical services organization and employees in direct and indirect functions.
• Establishing and implementing a TPM program in partnership with Yogurt and Modern Food leaders.
• Optimizing inventory management functions, including planning and tracking MRO budgets and spending.
• Supporting the plant's key performance initiatives through effective interactions with R&D, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, and Product Supply organizations.
• Ensuring continuous improvement in manufacturing through data-driven analysis and deployment of Automation and Manufacturing Engineering resources.
• Creating a safe working environment and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Accelerating Lean manufacturing practices within the technical services operation, including running the TPM pillar within the Chobani Operating System.
• Optimizing the organizational structure to meet objectives.
• Providing senior-level leadership to train and develop engineers, technicians, and others within direct and indirect functions.
• Setting and maintaining quality measures, preventive maintenance schedules, and performance standards.
• Partnering closely with the Senior VP for Operations on initiatives critical to the successful transformation of the New Berlin site.
• Coordinating and implementing long-term capital project budgets, including the Wastewater Recovery and Recycle Facility (WRRF).
• Ensuring employee safety, environmental compliance, and product quality while meeting schedule commitments and cost objectives.
• Representing Chobani and the New Berlin facility in partnership with state and local officials and dairy community leaders.
• Following Chobani's safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices.

Requirements

• Experience in dairy or food industry manufacturing with deep process knowledge; experience with cultured dairy products is a plus.
• 3-5 years of director-level experience leading the technical services organization, providing leadership in plant maintenance, automation, and utilities functions.
• 10-15 years of experience in plant manufacturing and maintenance.
• BS/BA in industrial engineering, dairy management, food science, engineering, logistics, business administration, or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of MRP and ERP Systems.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and related compliance regulations.
• Complete understanding of PLC and logic controls for high-speed operating equipment.
• Highly effective leader who can create a shared vision, energize others, challenge the status quo, and motivate change.
• Strong customer service approach with the ability to improve internal/external customer relationships.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate the organization's mission and strategies as well as organizational performance expectations.
• Analytical problem solver with the ability to drill to root cause and arrive at rational solutions.
• Applied knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma preferred; familiarity with pull systems, Kanban, process mapping, and standards work.
• Skills in planning, developing, and maintaining manufacturing operations budgets.
• History of demonstrative, measurable positive change, and meeting ambitious objectives.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with advanced automation technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $188,000.00 - $282,000.00, plus bonus.
• Health insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.