Blending Manager

Blending Manager at Somafina

Somafina, a leading co-manufacturer of vitamins and supplements, is seeking a Blending Manager. In this pivotal role, you will lead collaboration of blending and mixing processes that transform innovative product ideas into dependable, large-scale production runs. As we attract larger customers and continue our growth trajectory, you'll collaborate with Product Development, Quality, and Production teams to ensure seamless transitions from pilot-scale to commercial volumes, guaranteeing smooth first batch runs, and driving ongoing process improvements for enhanced consistency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

1. Launch & Scale-Up

• Coordinate with the Product development team the transition of lab or pilot formulas into plant-ready batch instructions and operating procedures.
• Manage engineering and first-time production runs, capturing process data and adjusting blend times and operating procedures to ensure "right-first-time" success.

2. Process Optimization

• Oversee blend studies (mix time, order of addition, equipment settings) to enhance homogeneity, yield, and throughput.
• Analyze production run data to identify sources of variation and implement improvements that minimize scrap, rework, and downtime.

3. Stability & Quality Support

• Maintain comprehensive documentation—SOPs, change controls, and deviation reports—to support internal audits and meet customer requirements.

4. Technology & Equipment Integration

• Evaluate and lead the commissioning of new mixing, sifting, and automation equipment as production needs evolve.
• Partner with Maintenance teams to introduce real-time monitoring or data-collection tools to improve process visibility, employee safety, and efficiency.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the technical liaison between R&D, Planning, Purchasing, and Production to coordinate launch timelines and blend capacity planning.
• Train production technicians and supervisors on new procedures and best practices to ensure operational excellence and safety.

Background

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Food or Pharmaceutical Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a managerial role within blending/compounding or process engineering in food, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical, or similar manufacturing environments.

Technical Skills

• In-depth understanding of powder-mixing fundamentals and common blending equipment.
• Proficiency in statistical tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab/JMP) for data-driven problem solving.
• Proven experience writing or revising SOPs and batch records in a regulated manufacturing setting (GMP, ISO, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying technical information to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Detail-oriented with outstanding documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Soft Skills

• Curious, analytical mindset with strong troubleshooting instincts.
• Clear communicator who can translate technical details to multidisciplinary teams.
• Organized self-starter comfortable juggling multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Nice-to-Have

• Lean or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) for process optimization.
• Prior involvement in equipment commissioning or scale-up of new production lines.

Join Somafina as we continue to grow and expand our capabilities in the vitamins and supplements market. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and innovate in our batching and blending processes, ensuring the successful transition of products from concept to market while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.