Process Engineering Manager

The Opportunity

The Process Engineering Manager leads complex technical projects across one or more manufacturing sites, resolving operational/quality issues and driving process, product, and technology improvements. This role provides technical leadership, develops team capability through training and mentoring, supports customer needs, and partners cross-functionally to deliver safe, compliant, profitable outcomes.

Primary focus areas include process improvement and operational readiness; technical transfer and validation of new products, processes, and equipment; and strong partnership with Operations, Quality, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, customers, and vendors.

• Serve as an internal consultant and problem-solver, drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and implement new ingredients, components, and production technologies; validate performance and scalability.
• Lead and prioritize short- and long-term projects based on safety, quality, cost, delivery, and risk.
• Identify opportunities to increase customer value, improve profitability, and differentiate capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance to site teams and contribute to innovation/technical services objectives.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to diagnose issues, close process gaps, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Lead cross-functional teams and execute projects independently or collaboratively.
• Support product sampling and in-plant trials using appropriate sanitary practices.
• Communicate relevant industry trends and opportunities to site leadership and PSM.
• Scope and assess feasibility for new projects, support commissioning and validation.
• Support quality testing and execute in-plant trials for new products to ensure validation and operational readiness.
• Coordinate plant qualifications of new components, materials, ingredients, and processes.
• Coach and develop technical teams through training, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Develop strategies to identify new opportunities, support key customers, collaborate with R&D, and build process/product intellectual property.
• Drive Operational Excellence by standardizing best practices and strengthening Technical Services capability across sites.
• Lead technical transfers of new products, processes, and equipment into operations.
• Align with QA and plant leadership on common objectives (e.g., cleaning protocols, microbiological quality, sanitation).
• Partner with Supply Chain to ensure co-manufacturing outcomes meet GN expectations.
• Promote a safety-first culture; ensure required operator/management training and SOP adherence.
• Provide product oversight for quality, sensory, and functional performance.
• Partner with Quality to resolve issues and reduce customer complaints.
• Lead clear, timely communication within Technical Services and with site stakeholders.
• Provide process and project support for capital projects, incorporating key financial considerations.

• Attend vendor seminars/trade shows as needed.
• Provide customer support as needed.
• Manage direct reports as assigned; perform other duties as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5 or more years in process engineering/improvement, data analysis, and/or solids handling (or equivalent).
• Ability to interpret technical literature, drawings, schematics, and procedures; write clear reports and documentation.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills (define problems, analyze data, and draw sound conclusions).
• Experience tracking, trending, and interpreting process data.
• Basic understanding of controls (PLC), sensors, and electrical components.
• Proficient with standard business tools (email, Word, Excel, databases); statistical programming is a plus.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and delegate effectively.
• Follow safety policies and report unsafe conditions.
• Leadership skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across all levels.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Process improvement mindset;
  Six Sigma/GPS (DMAIC) experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication…