Pilot Plant Team Lead - Research Development Innovation Center

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and is a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy, IL; Englewood, NJ; Hillside, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA.  Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN.  We are committed to maintaining a workplace that utilizes ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees.  We strive to make Stratas Foods a great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.

The Pilot Plant Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and overall management of the pilot plant facility. Key responsibilities include coordinating sample production for the Product Development Team, supporting external pilot plant customers, maintaining equipment and supplies, and ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient work environment. This role is also responsible for ensuring compliance with Food Safety, Food Security, GMP, and Safety requirements; coordinating employee training; maintaining daily housekeeping and cleaning schedules; managing raw material inventories; reviewing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) annually; and supporting the equipment preventive maintenance (PM) program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Provides support to Stratas Product Development team through coordination, scheduling and executing production of experimental samples and small-scale qualifying production runs ensuring quality, accuracy and timeliness.  Must maintain accurate, detailed records of all production projects and responsible for issuing project production report. Assist with shipment of samples. 
2. Perform minor repairs and upkeep to pilot plant equipment as needed. This includes identifying and ordering materials from vendors.
3. Lead communication and act as the point-of-contact with contractors and vendors for installation, repair, and maintenance related to the pilot plant, pilot plant equipment, and occasionally the RDIC facility. This includes gathering quotes, scheduling visits, and maintaining records on training and compliance.
4. Responsible for maintaining stocks of basic raw materials/supplies & FIFO use of such materials to ensure rapid turnaround of pilot plant projects.
5. Responsible for ensuring the pilot plant and storage areas adhere to our Kosher parve protocol. Also, work with other pilot plant personnel to lead audits with the Rabbi.
6. Execute duties in full compliance of all pilot plant programs including Food Safety, Food Security, general GMP’s, HACCP, and Kosher including ensuring full compliance against all programs and policies, annual training of pilot plant team, and annual policy review/updates.
7. Responsible for always maintaining general housekeeping of pilot plant in compliance with BRC standards.  Also responsible for periodic cleaning per master cleaning schedule.
8. Responsible for drafting, periodic review, and full compliance against all cleaning, sanitizing, and equipment operation SOP’s.
9. Responsible for driving rigor behind safety policies and procedures within the pilot plant and delivering against Stratas safety goals.  Active participant on Stratas - RDI’s Safety Committee.
10. Responsible for ensuring all equipment is serviced and maintained via the Preventive Maintenance (PM) program.
11. Provide support for Stratas Pilot Plant external services work from scheduling, execution, confirming quality/accuracy and shipment.  Fully document all work.
12. Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives.
13. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: High school diploma or associate degree in a related field with 5–7 years of supervisory experience in a food manufacturing environment; or a bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2–4 years of supervisory experience in a food manufacturing environment. Experience in fats and oils manufacturing and/or Quality Assurance is highly preferred.

Equipment/Software Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Must be able to safely operate a battery-powered forklift and pallet jack.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations: Shelby County Boiler Licensure and a Boiler/Steam Engineer License (1st or 3rd Class) required, or the ability to obtain the required licenses within one year of employment.

Physical: Typical activities may include prolonged periods of sitting or standing, using a computer, and occasional movement within the workplace. May require lifting or moving items up to 75+ pounds. Strenuous physical job.  Employee must be capable of walking, climbing, etc.

Sensory: The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is required to use hand and fingers, handle, and or feel and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Requires clear verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members and others. Active listening and attention to detail are essential.

Mental/Reasoning: Must be able to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing demands. Requires strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.

Full Time Employee Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Stratas Foods Applicant Request for Accommodation Form: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance

Stratas Foods California Privacy Rights Act Policy: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance