ROLE DESCRIPTION

We’re seeking a highly skilled Director of Technical Operations to provide leadership and technical expertise in the development and maintenance of effective cleaning programs / systems. The position has specific responsibility to standardize and continuously improve cleaning processes for the network of ByHeart plants and associated supply chain. The successful candidate will be a key member of ByHeart’s Supply / Operations team. The position is remote and will provide strategic direction to senior management to align goals and priorities. 

Reports To:      VP of Supply Operations

Location:         Remote

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and deploy cleaning and sanitation metrics for ByHeart network of plants to drive continuous improvement with measurable results
• Build and maintain plant cleaning validation scorecards for ByHeart plants, oversee the design and rollout of related improvement plans
• Work with Quality and Operations to troubleshoot any cleaning related issues or opportunities at the plant level. Provides direction on necessary and appropriate corrective measures
• Provide governance across ByHeart plants to proactively close any gaps related to Sanitary and Hygienic Design
• Partner with Food Safety, Quality, Plant leadership and Engineering functions to evaluate TP company chemicals and processes for the purpose of CI
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with chemical vendors and suppliers to maintain and optimize external support to ByHeart facilities
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on capital projects to Operation’s and Engineering teams for sanitary design and functionality of facilities equipment and sanitation systems
• Work closely with plants to build knowledge in cleaning systems via formal training programs and coaching. Build and develop training programs
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance and Operations leads to ensure capital plans include critical food safety improvements related to sanitary and hygienic design
• Provide Hygienic and Sanitary design direction for all new line installations and modifications
• Provide leadership and guidance to ByHeart plants to ensure all clean-in-place, cleaning policies and procedures are alignment with industry best practices, regulatory requirements
• Keep abreast of and evaluate new innovations, technologies, and practices in sanitation to improve sanitation efficiency and or effectiveness
• Participate in relevant industry, peer, and/or regulatory groups to remain current in sanitation principles to ensure the most relevant practices are incorporated into our sanitation practices
• Responsible for building all appropriate standards related to Sanitary and Hygienic Design
• Drive change and continuous improvement as it relates to Sanitation culture, principles, practices, and their effective implementation across all plants
• Partner with Human Resources to implement succession planning and leadership development strategies

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required, advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in food, pharma, or infant nutrition industry, demonstrated achievements in sanitation
• Experience and in-depth knowledge of clean in place cleaning and validation
• In depth knowledge of knowledge of HACCP, GMPs and food manufacturing
• Deep understanding and working knowledge in Microbiology
• Expert and applied knowledge in sanitary and hygienic design, including 3-A and EHEDG standards
• Experience with spray drying and aseptic processing technology
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality and Food Safety teams. Skilled in execution of complex and multidisciplinary projects
• Ability to effectively interact with consultants and external partners
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to present recommendations and solutions to senior leadership
• Availability for up to 30% travel required

Additionally, you will be eligible for a discretionary performance based annual cash bonus and to participate in our company’s equity program, plus our robust medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits.