About this role
Process Engineering Manager - Biofermentation leads the process engineering team in Rochester to support Kerry Rochester's safety, quality, production, cost, and maintenance goals. The role collaborates with process technology and R&D on new product introductions and process optimization, and with corporate engineering on capital projects exceeding $500k. The manager provides leadership and direction for process optimization and for new product and process introductions from design through installation and commissioning, establishing a strong, visible technical focus as the technical authority for fermentation, evaporation, and spray drying.
Lead the Rochester process engineering team to identify opportunities to improve equipment overall equipment effectiveness (availability, unplanned downtime; performance, fermentation kinetics; and quality) and to drive continuous improvement using scientific method and lean principles to eliminate waste. Apply deep knowledge of aseptic processing to reduce contamination and increase processing reliability; partner with Engineering to design and implement improved process equipment for new processes. Develop capital plans aligned with the business capital strategy to support growth and cost efficiency; conduct techno-economic analyses with heat and energy balances to select the most cost-effective approach. Provide engineering support to R&D/process science during pilot and production trials; lead capital projects typically under $500k using standard project management from scope to installation and subcontractor management. Ensure compliance with safety, environment, quality, and food safety; produce detailed project documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, site/floor plans, elevation drawings, utilities matrices). Lead the development of SOPs for new equipment operations and update SOPs as operations change. Drive reduction of unplanned downtime via the Kerry Plant System 8-step problem solving; maintain the plant's FMEA prioritizing risks; lead Kaizen events when needed. Promote sustainability through projects to reduce water, electricity, carbon fuels, and waste; explore new technologies with R&D, Quality, Operations and Finance. Build a high-performing team with talent development, succession, and retention; travel 10-15% for benchmarking and plant support.
Education: Minimum BS in Engineering with at least 10 years of engineering experience, preferably in the food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry. Experience: Expert knowledge of manufacturing systems including fermentation, sterilization, spray drying, evaporation and related subsystems (refrigeration, wet scrubbers, high voltage power, electric motors/drives, standby power, fluid dynamics with pump/piping/filtration). Demonstrated ability to manage capital projects, develop PFDs/P&IDs, and collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality and Finance. Strong problem-solving skills using the scientific method, data-based decision making, and lean/six-sigma tools (Gage R&R, hypothesis testing, capability analysis, DOE). Excellent leadership and communication; able to develop and retain a high-performing team.
Nice to Have: Experience in biofermentation or related biotech/pharmaceutical manufacturing. Advanced degree or additional certifications; familiarity with regulatory requirements. Willingness to travel (10-15%).
Compensation & Benefits: Salary: Not disclosed. Benefits: Not disclosed.