Pilot Plant, Plant Manager

Zinpro • Eden Prairie, MN

4h

About The Position

The Pilot Plant Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the pilot plant, supporting product development, scale-up, and manufacturing readiness. The role integrates laboratory services management, plant operations leadership, and production execution to ensure pilot-scale processes deliver reliable, high-quality data and product for commercialization. This role leads pilot plant personnel, oversees pilot-scale production and analytical activities, and partners cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field.
• 5–7+ years of experience in manufacturing, pilot plant, laboratory, or operations environments.
• Demonstrated people leadership and strong technical problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree, experience in regulated manufacturing environments, and Lean or Six Sigma certification.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison with the external engineering firm, managing scope, schedule, budget, safety, and deliverables.
• Lead pilot plant build‑out and commissioning, including capital management, vendor coordination, equipment selection, and scope changes.
• Direct day-to-day pilot plant operations including pilot-scale production, processing, blending, packaging, and material handling.
• Establish production priorities, schedules, and resource plans to support R&D trials and scale-up activities.
• Oversee analytical and physical testing, ensuring data integrity, instrument readiness, and compliance with SOPs and GMPs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, HACCP, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop pilot plant and laboratory staff.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across safety, quality, cost, and efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support technology transfer and commercialization.

Benefits

• In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for a bonus, providing the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
• Zinpro offers a competitive salary and a premium benefits package, including 100% employer-paid healthcare and generous paid time off.
• We provide a wide range of benefits and resources designed to support you at every stage of life: education assistance, retirement planning, 401(k), disability and long-term care insurance, travel assistance, fitness reimbursement, gift matching, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager