Food Pilot Plant Manager

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it youve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate your pets food the paper you write on and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether youre just starting your career or bringing years of experience theres a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bridgewater NJ

Workplace type: Hybrid/ 4 days a week on-site/1 day a week remote

Food Pilot Plant Manager

What isthe role ofthis position

TheFood Pilot PlantManageris responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the BridgewaterFood Pilot Plant.This role oversees all pilot plant activities supportingglobal projectscustomer projectssolutiondevelopment process scale-up prototype productionpeople trainingdifferentiated service modeland commercialization across global regional and customer-focused initiatives.

As the critical link between laboratory development and commercial manufacturing the Food Pilot PlantManagerensures the safe efficient and compliant execution of pilot-scale manufacturing operations while driving capability enhancementandoperational excellence. The role is accountable for facility operations maintenance performance food safety and quality systems regulatory compliance and employeesafety.

TheManagerfosters a culture of safety continuous improvement technical excellence and customer focus while ensuring compliance with GMP FSMA Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMP) and all applicable health safety and environmental requirements.

What you will do:

Pilot Plant Leadership Innovation & Commercialization

• Lead all aspects of the BridgewaterFood Pilot Plant ensuring safe efficient and compliant operations that support innovationsolutiondevelopment scale-up and commercialization activities.

• Serve as the critical link between R&D and commercial manufacturing by translating laboratory concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions.

• Oversee prototype development and production for customer evaluations trade shows innovation initiatives and market launches.

• Provide technical leadership and operational support for product optimization process troubleshooting manufacturing transfers and customer commercialization efforts.

Capability Enhancement & Operational Excellence

• Monitorand managekey performance indicators (KPIs) for pilot plant operations maintenance effectiveness project execution and resource utilization.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety quality efficiency reliability cost optimization and customer experience.

• Develop and execute strategies to enhance pilot plant capabilities technologies equipment and processes to meet evolving business and customer needs.

• Manage facility assets maintenance programs capital investment planning and equipment lifecycle strategies to ensure optimal operational performance.

Food Safety Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety quality environmental and regulatory requirements including GMP HACCP FSMA EMP (Environmental Monitoring Program) OSHA and company standards.

• Maintainand developrobust sanitationenvironmental monitoring and product safety programs.

• Lead food safety and quality management systems audit readiness activities corrective and preventive actions risk assessments and continuous compliance improvements.

Safety Leadership

• Champion a world-class safety culture by ensuring compliance with all health safety and environmental regulations and company policies.

• Lead safety programs hazard assessments incident investigations corrective actions and employee engagement initiatives to achieve zero injuries and promote continuous safety improvement.

• Ensure safe operation of pilot-scale processing equipment and maintain a proactive approach to risk mitigation across all facilities.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead coach and develop a high-performing team of pilot plant operators technicians and technical professionals.

• Drive employee engagement succession planning capability building technical training and career development initiatives.

• Foster a collaborative customer-focused culture that promotes accountability innovation continuous learning and operational excellence.

• Manage performance planning coaching talent reviews recognition programs and workforce development to ensure organizational effectiveness and future readiness.

What you will bring:

• Bachelors degree in Food Science Chemical Engineering Food Engineering Engineering or a related technical discipline required.

• 10 years of experience in food manufacturing pilot plant operations process development or related technical operations.

• 3 years of leadership experience managing technical operations or manufacturing teams.

• Demonstrated experience supporting product development process scale-up and commercialization activities.

• Experience working in food manufacturing environments with strong knowledge of food safety and quality systems.

• Strong understanding of pilot plant operations food processing technologies and manufacturing systems.

• Knowledge of GMP HACCP FSMA OSHA and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and operational excellence programs.

• Strong project management problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Who you are:

• Detail-oriented and organized with strong communication and collaboration skills.

• A strategic thinker with a focus on execution and results.

• Good judgment and high integrity with demonstrated customer-focused approach and ability to balance innovation operational performance and business priorities.

• A strong leader with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Why Join Ingredion

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success.

• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support Health long-term savings and resources for your physical mental and emotional well-being

• Career Growth Learning training and development opportunities including tuition reimbursement

• Employee Recognition Program A culture of real-time appreciation with personalized recognition rewards globally

• Employee Discount Program Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products services and travel