R&D Pilot Plant Manager
The Tirlán Pilot Plant is a state-of-the-art facility containing a full drying plant, UHT line, membrane plants and other smaller ancillary equipment for conducting R&D trials on dairy and plant-based consumer and ingredient products. Reporting to the Head of R&D Technical Operations, this position will suit an organised and energetic individual who is highly motivated. An individual with a technical background including process development, production, or maintenance would be suited. An in-depth knowledge of Spray Drying, Evaporation, UHT treatment, and food processing equipment will be required to manage day to day activities. This individual must have the ability to work across all levels of the business whilst maximising the pilot plant utilisation. Must be willing to conduct the trials on occasion and be hands on whist being on site daily supporting the pilot plant operations team.
Key Responsibilities
- Co-ordinate in-house expertise to provide technical advice, support, and guidance in areas such as process and technology, site utilities, service, and maintenance;
- Team development – build, manage and develop a small team of multi-skilled process technicians/technologists;
- Ensuring training requirements are met using LIMS;
- Maintaining H&S standards - ensure the site's compliance to BRG site H&S standards, quality, and regulatory procedures;
- Services/utilities/effluent management including entire building facilities are included in this role;
- Upkeep of R&D centre & facilities;
- R&D point of contact with the Ballyragget site and wider business;
- Pilot plant facilities and equipment cleaning & maintenance management, including service level agreement management with internal and external personnel;
- Warehouse management and stock control;
- Consumer durables management including sourcing packing for pilot trials;
- Manage Pilot Plant site capability project improvements, upgrades and maintenance schedules using Lean Principals;
- Awareness of visitors to the facility & co-ordination of Pilot Plant tours upon special request;
- Maximise pilot plant utilisation and efficiency and coordinate tasks and duties elsewhere during planned downtime;
- Adhere to Tirlán Values and Coaching Culture, creating positive collaborations with the wider R&D team.
Key Requirements
- A Science, Engineering or Process degree qualification with experience in the dairy or food sector essential;
- Practical exposure and usage of equipment essential;
- 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role or demonstrable experience in a technical, operational or maintenance position;
- Working knowledge of the dairy industry & equipment;
- Experience using Microsoft applications including office, teams, outlook etc.;
- Excellent all-round knowledge, verbal communication, and presentation skills;
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritize work whilst working with your team daily and support pilot activities;
- Ability to make decisions and work independently;
- Strong stakeholder management, planning & organizational skills with attention to detail;
- Deep understanding of process engineering principles and process plant operation;
- Evidence of ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures;
- Strong work ethic.
To apply please send CV [email protected]