Pilot Plant Team Lead - Research Development Innovation Center

Stratas Foods•Bartlett, TN

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pilot Plant Team Lead oversees the daily operations and overall management of the pilot plant facility. The role coordinates experimental sample production and small-scale qualifying production runs for the Product Development Team, supports external pilot plant customers, maintains equipment and supplies, and ensures a clean, safe, and efficient work environment. The team lead ensures compliance with Food Safety, Food Security, GMP, HACCP, Kosher, and safety requirements; coordinates employee training; maintains housekeeping and cleaning schedules; manages raw material inventory; reviews and updates standard operating procedures; and supports the equipment preventive maintenance program. The role works closely with onsite teams and participates in onsite meetings to support departmental objectives. The position is based in Memphis. Physical activities may include prolonged sitting or standing, computer use, walking, climbing, and moving items weighing up to 75 pounds or more. The work is described as strenuous and requires clear communication, active listening, attention to detail, organization, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to changing demands.

Requirements

High school diploma or an 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.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to safely operate a battery-powered forklift and pallet jack.
Shelby County Boiler Licensure and a Boiler/Steam Engineer License (1st or 3rd Class), or ability to obtain the required licenses within one year of employment.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work, including walking, climbing, and lifting or moving items up to 75+ pounds.
Strong organizational skills, dependability, ability to prioritize and manage time, and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Clear verbal and written communication, active listening, attention to detail, sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.

Nice To Haves

Experience in fats and oils manufacturing and/or Quality Assurance is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, schedule, and execute production of experimental samples and small-scale qualifying production runs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
Maintain detailed production project records, issue project production reports, and assist with sample shipments.
Perform minor repairs and upkeep on pilot plant equipment, including identifying and ordering materials from vendors.
Serve as the point of contact with contractors and vendors for pilot plant and occasional RDIC facility installation, repair, and maintenance; gather quotes, schedule visits, and maintain training and compliance records.
Maintain stocks of basic raw materials and supplies and ensure FIFO use.
Ensure the pilot plant and storage areas adhere to Kosher parve protocol and work with other pilot plant personnel to lead audits with the Rabbi.
Ensure compliance with pilot plant Food Safety, Food Security, GMP, HACCP, and Kosher programs and policies; coordinate annual team training and annual policy reviews and updates.
Maintain general housekeeping in compliance with BRC standards and carry out periodic cleaning according to the master cleaning schedule.
Draft and periodically review cleaning, sanitizing, and equipment operation SOPs, and ensure compliance with them.
Promote compliance with safety policies and procedures, support Stratas safety goals, and participate on the Stratas RDI Safety Committee.
Ensure equipment is serviced and maintained through the Preventive Maintenance program.
Support external pilot plant services by coordinating scheduling and execution, confirming quality and accuracy, arranging shipment, and documenting all work.
Collaborate with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to advance departmental objectives.
Perform additional duties as assigned.