Dairy Processing Specialist

Job Title: Dairy Processing Specialist

Location: 70 Dickinson Drive, Ingleside, ON

The Dairy Processing Specialist provides processing leadership and supervision of the R&D pilot plant operations and where applicable resources. They support the R&D team by organizing and conducting the pilot trials in support of innovation and renovation projects and with directive supports members with production scale-up trials. Responsible for liaising with manufacturing representatives, plant quality and maintenance representatives to ensure the safe operating and sanitary maintenance of the pilot plant.

• First line supervisor of the pilot plant, which includes a team of technicians and/or students, to support in the development of new products and/or renovation projects while ensuring compliance to Standard Operating Procedures and Health & Safety Guidelines.
• Supporting a researcher by acting as the pilot process operator, exhibiting leadership in the qualification and validation of testing new ingredients and supporting the scale up of plant trials. This will include providing reports and recommendations to the R&D Manager.
• When applicable, responsible for ensuring environmental compliance including swabbing of equipment per plant manufacturing directive. Participate in root cause analysis and deep cleaning to address non-compliance.
• Specific projects will be managed by coordinating all R&D support activities including maintaining complex technical notes and records of activity, along with ingredient preparation and processing equipment set up, confirmation of processing standards and subsequent sanitation.
• In alignment with the directive of R&D colleagues, prepare and organize the presentation of products for sensory evaluations.
• Annually identify, prepare, and recommend capex pilot plant requirements to maintain pilot plant operations and introduction of new technologies in support of innovation.
• Monthly reporting of budgeted CAPEX or OPEX for the pilot plant. Identify gaps in a timely manner and provide recommendations in case of budgetary gaps.
• Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures for existing and new equipment installations. Validate electrical, drainage, cleaning etc. compatibility necessary for complex equipment introduced to the pilot facility or for any rental equipment.
• Identify to R&D Manager the sanitary maintenance schedule and equipment for repairs. Responsible for ordering and receiving all supplies, parts and materials used in the Pilot Plant.
• Responsible to conduct routine laboratory analysis such as pH, Rapid Dairy Analyzers, Titrations or other laboratory techniques and/or bench experimentations in support of pilot plant activities.
• Ensure Safety and Quality is fundamental in execution of all work activities and work in compliance to Lactalis Quality Systems, Health & Safety and applicable Company Policies. Practice good manufacturing and sanitation practices in daily activities.

• College diploma or university degree in related discipline (Food science, Dairy Engineering, Maintenance, or related discipline).
• Minimum 2 years Food Industry experience.
• Strong analytical ability in troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of GMP’s & HACCP, specifically, in a food production environment.
• Detail oriented with a strong focus on accuracy.
• Proficient with standard office computer technology such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to prioritize and work in a result-oriented team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Capable of operation and sanitation of pilot dairy processing equipment; manual lifting and physical working environment.
• Basic knowledge of dairy products and their functionality.
• Creative problem solving.
• Ability to produce accurate experimental documents.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical & maintenance.
• Strong written and interpersonal/communication skill.
• Ability to organize and report results using a variety of computer applications (Excel, Microsoft Word).
• Ability to effectively handle multiple projects and the assignments of priorities within the defined project area.
• Physical capabilities…