Director, Scale-up & Engineering
About The Position
Premier Nutrition Company (PNC) is a leader in the proactive wellness space, known for its brands Premier Protein and Dymatize, and is part of BellRing Brands. The company emphasizes a purpose-driven culture focused on 'Changing Lives with Good Energy,' fostering employee growth, belonging, and autonomy. PNC has been recognized as a Great Place to Work™ for nine consecutive years and ranks highly on Fortune Magazine's Best Workplaces. They seek individuals who embody a 'Challenger Mindset,' characterized by smart risks, relentless hunger, and a builder's mentality, to contribute to their high-growth trajectory. This role is for an experienced R&D leader who will provide strategic direction and technical oversight for scale-up, process engineering, packaging engineering, and manufacturing support. The position involves leading pilot plant operations, scale-up efforts at co-manufacturing facilities, and process/packaging improvement initiatives aimed at cost optimization and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will lead a team of 5-10 technical professionals and technicians, ensuring alignment with business objectives and a smooth transition from product development to commercialization. This role requires strong cross-functional leadership and collaboration with internal stakeholders, co-manufacturers, and external service providers. The role reports to the VP, Product Development.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Food Science or similar field
- 12+ years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including thermal processing and aseptic beverage processing, and high-protein RTD scale-up
- 5+ years of people leadership experience managing technical teams
- Demonstrated success commercializing products (product, process, package) through co-manufacturing partners and supporting manufacturing operations
- Strong technical troubleshooting and process optimization capabilities
- Working knowledge (incl. Mechanical) of processing and packaging equipment and manufacturing systems (batching through packaging)
- Strong working knowledge of process capability studies, statistical process control and specifications – ability to read, design and interpret specifications
- Ability to explain complex technical subject matters to non-technical teams
- Ability to apply technical know-how to real-world problems
- Ability to drive results, pivot quickly as needed
- Strong collaborative skills and ability to work well in teams
- Possess curiosity, creativity, and alternative thinking to develop better or new solutions with a scientific approach
- Strong ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of external manufacturing organizations
- Ability to translate complex technical information into clear business recommendations and drive decision-making
- Proven cross-functional leadership and project management skills with a track record of delivering results through internal and external teams
- Demonstrated experience managing project risk, solving complex technical challenges, and executing against timelines
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities
- Willingness to travel up to 35%
Nice To Haves
- Embody a growth mindset
- See challenges as opportunities to develop
- Find innovative ways to get the real work that matters done
- Emotional intelligence
- Thrive in ambiguity amid competing priorities
- Connect & Belong
- Play to Win
- Creativity, exploration, & innovativeness
Responsibilities
- Lead scale-up, commercialization, pilot plant operations, and manufacturing support activities
- Drive continuous improvement of scale-up and commercialization processes to ensure efficient transitions from development to production
- Build strategic partnerships with co-manufacturers and external service providers to ensure R&D objectives are met
- Oversee and integrate technical packaging activities in scale-up and commercialization initiatives
- Provide technical leadership in processing, manufacturing performance, packaging engineering, risk management, and problem-solving
- Ensure product, package, and process compliance through collaboration with cross-functional partners
- Identify emerging technologies, trends, and external capabilities to strengthen R&D and commercialization
- Provide input on long-term capability, equipment, facility, and talent needs
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing technical team
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning
- Manage resource allocation and priorities to ensure successful project execution
- Contribute as an active member of the R&I Leadership Team
- Build strong partnerships across functions and external organizations to drive project success
- Represent and advocates for R&I by providing technical insight, strategic thinking, and leadership across the business
Benefits
- Year-round ½ day Fridays
- in-office massages
- free lunches & snacks
- dogs in the office
- culture of belonging celebrations
- engaging in-office events like bring your kids to work day
- 6% 401k match after 1 year
- generous paid family leave regardless of gender
- all positions bonus-eligible
- company-wide volunteer days
- company-matched charitable donations
- no employee handbook
- no dress code
- coaching conversations instead of performance reviews
- walking meetings
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
