Process Superintendent (Biospringer)

Who we are

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing. 

Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3-billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being and improve plant nutrition. 

This role is within our Biospringer team. Biospringer offers a diverse range of yeast extracts and fermentation-based solutions designed to enhance the taste, aroma, and nutritional profile of food. The company is backed by over 600 employees across 6 state-of-the-art facilities worldwide, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in food science. Biospringer's natural, sustainably sourced ingredients are suitable for a wide range of customers, from food manufacturers to chefs and home cooks, to elevate culinary creations with enhanced flavor and nourishment. 

Our Core Values: Passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility  

What we offer

• The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability 
• A competitive 401K plan, affordable benefits starting on day 1 of employment, and12 paid holidays  
• The ability to utilize your experience and knowledge to make a real impact  
• Opportunities for continuous growth within your role and across business units  

What you bring to the table 

The Process Superintendent is responsible for the efficient and reliable operation of yeast extract liquid processing. This responsibility includes autolysis, cream washing, cell wall separation, yeast extract pre-concentration, microfiltration, sterilization and concentration. This individual will provide guidance to the supervisors and process operators in the areas of equipment functionality and efficient operation to achieve maximum throughput and equipment uptime. This position reports directly to the Production Manager.

The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, dependable, and responsive, and must be able to conduct themselves professionally in a high-paced, ever-changing environment. Furthermore, this person should have necessary process expertise, the motivation to improve processes, an eye for both safety and quality, and the interpersonal skills required to lead and inspire others.

What you’ll do as Process Superintendent

• Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs.
• No direct supervisory responsibilities, but functional supervision (dotted line) of all process operators and supervisors (~12 operators and 4 supervisors) in the operation of liquid yeast extract processing. This position is a critical leadership role for the plant.
• Ensure personnel in the Process team adhere to all Safety, Quality and cGMP policies and procedures. 
• Serve as subject matter expert on all yeast extract process unit operations. 
• Develop and maintain written yeast extract processing procedures and ensure adequate adherence.  
• Troubleshoot and resolve process equipment and performance issues. 
• Ensure process KPIs are met including (but not limited to) the number and type of autolysis per week, time for loading, time for CIP, and OEE for pre-concentration, microfiltration, sterilization and concentration.
• Develop corrective and preventive actions for KPI performance deviations.
• Update processing parameters as appropriate to improve product quality and throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement of equipment turnaround, changeovers and CIPs. 
• Ensure maximum up time for each unit operation. 
• Participate in establishing the annual Capital Expenditure (Capex) needs with the Plant Director and Technical Operations. 
• Assist in the coordination of maintenance activities. 
• In conjunction with Quality, ensure master sanitation schedule adherence and effectiveness in liquid processing areas.
• Perform daily Safety and GMP walkthroughs of liquid process areas.
• Serve as secondary or back up scheduler.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:   

• Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or related degree is strongly preferred, and/or a minimum of five years of experience as a Supervisor for a food-processing manufacturer.
  • Three to five years of experience in operations and engineering support also preferred.
• Strong math, chemistry and microbiology knowledge required.  
• Prioritize, organize, and delegate to others while following through to ensure completion of assignments.
• High level of attention to detail for completing paperwork/documentation.   
• Superior communication and “customer” service skills. 
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills with proven decision-making ability.  
• Familiarity with industrial laboratory environment and be able to effectively assimilate large amounts of data.   
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, SAP software and e-mail. 
• Ability to use or create spreadsheets for scheduling, performance tracking/trending, budgeting, and building reports.
• Additional safety, food safety, or production management training is preferred.   
• Capability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and issues. 
• Ability to handle critical decision-making responsibilities, effectively analyze issues, and develop corrective actions. 
• Good analytical skills and experience with continuous improvement/lean will be an asset in this role.
• Must be adaptable and willing to take on on-call duties on weekends/outside of typical work hours as needed.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee will be required to bend, twist and use stairs/ladders. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 55 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particulates; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; and extreme heat. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level may require the use of hearing protection.

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.