Process Superintendent (Biospringer)

Lesaffre North America • Cedar Rapids, IA

1d

About The Position

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts
and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This
story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our
pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing.

Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a
3-billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to
develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health,
optimize animal well-being and improve plant nutrition.

This role is within our Biospringer team. Biospringer offers a diverse range of
yeast extracts and fermentation-based solutions designed to enhance the taste,
aroma, and nutritional profile of food. The company is backed by over 600
employees across 6 state-of-the-art facilities worldwide, constantly pushing the
boundaries of what's possible in food science. Biospringer's natural,
sustainably sourced ingredients are suitable for a wide range of customers, from
food manufacturers to chefs and home cooks, to elevate culinary creations with
enhanced flavor and nourishment.

Our Core Values: Passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility

The Process Superintendent is responsible for the efficient and reliable
operation of yeast extract liquid processing. This responsibility includes
autolysis, cream washing, cell wall separation, yeast extract pre-concentration,
microfiltration, sterilization and concentration. This individual will provide
guidance to the supervisors and process operators in the areas of equipment
functionality and efficient operation to achieve maximum throughput and
equipment uptime. This position reports directly to the Production Manager.

The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, dependable, and responsive, and
must be able to conduct themselves professionally in a high-paced, ever-changing
environment. Furthermore, this person should have necessary process expertise, the motivation to improve processes, an eye for both safety and quality, and the
interpersonal skills required to lead and inspire others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or related degree is strongly preferred, and/or a minimum of five years of experience as a Supervisor for a food-processing manufacturer.
• Three to five years of experience in operations and engineering support also preferred.
• Strong math, chemistry and microbiology knowledge required.
• Prioritize, organize, and delegate to others while following through to ensure completion of assignments.
• High level of attention to detail for completing paperwork/documentation.
• Superior communication and “customer” service skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills with proven decision-making ability.
• Familiarity with industrial laboratory environment and be able to effectively assimilate large amounts of data.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, SAP software and e-mail.
• Ability to use or create spreadsheets for scheduling, performance tracking/trending, budgeting, and building reports.
• Capability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and issues.
• Ability to handle critical decision-making responsibilities, effectively analyze issues, and develop corrective actions.
• Good analytical skills and experience with continuous improvement/lean will be an asset in this role.
• Must be adaptable and willing to take on on-call duties on weekends/outside of typical work hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Additional safety, food safety, or production management training is preferred.
• Good analytical skills and experience with continuous improvement/lean will be an asset in this role.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs.
• No direct supervisory responsibilities, but functional supervision (dotted line) of all process operators and supervisors (~12 operators and 4 supervisors) in the operation of liquid yeast extract processing. This position is a critical leadership role for the plant.
• Ensure personnel in the Process team adhere to all Safety, Quality and cGMP policies and procedures.
• Serve as subject matter expert on all yeast extract process unit operations.
• Develop and maintain written yeast extract processing procedures and ensure adequate adherence.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process equipment and performance issues.
• Ensure process KPIs are met including (but not limited to) the number and type of autolysis per week, time for loading, time for CIP, and OEE for pre-concentration, microfiltration, sterilization and concentration.
• Develop corrective and preventive actions for KPI performance deviations.
• Update processing parameters as appropriate to improve product quality and throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement of equipment turnaround, changeovers and CIPs.
• Ensure maximum up time for each unit operation.
• Participate in establishing the annual Capital Expenditure (Capex) needs with the Plant Director and Technical Operations.
• Assist in the coordination of maintenance activities.
• In conjunction with Quality, ensure master sanitation schedule adherence and effectiveness in liquid processing areas.
• Perform daily Safety and GMP walkthroughs of liquid process areas.
• Serve as secondary or back up scheduler.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability
• A competitive 401K plan, affordable benefits starting on day 1 of employment, and12 paid holidays
• The ability to utilize your experience and knowledge to make a real impact
• Opportunities for continuous growth within your role and across business units

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees