Demo

Operations Startup Specialist

Nestlé USA
Mount Sterling, KY Full Time
POSTED ON 9/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/25/2027

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.


Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.


POSITION SUMMARY
Supports End-to-End Project Manager and/or Project Engineering Manager through lifecycle of the project with specific purpose to deliver successful vertical startup according to Project Success Criteria. Develop and Lead the Commission, Qualification and Verification (CQV) process.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Individual must have operational experience leading teams
  • Reports directly to Production Manager
  • Reports dotted line to Engineering Manager
  • No Direct Reports
  • Leads OSL workstream with Indirect Reports from Operations/Production, Maintenance, SHE, QA, HR/Training, ME, Supply Planning, S&D
  • Member of Project Leadership (with End-to-End and/or Project Engineering Manager)
  • Safe, On-time vertical startup of new equipment and processes
  • Deliver results within the budget established (capital and PRO)
  • Deliver all Project Success Criteria as agreed upon by the Steering Committee and Factory Leadership Team
  • Regular cadence of follow up with functional workstreams (Operations/Production, Maintenance, SHE, QA, HR/Training, ME, Supply Planning, S&D)
  • Regular communication with Steering Committee and Factory Leadership Team
  • Ensure completion of tasks & deliverables by functional workstream owners (Operation/Production, Maintenance, SHE, QA, HR/Training, ME, Supply Planning, S&D)
  • On-time completion of tasks in each phase of the project
  • Reasonable forecasting of budget required for commissioning and startup (capital & PRO)
  • On-time, vertical startup within planned budget and planned startup curve
  • Delivery of agreed upon Project Success Criteria
  • Leading and lagging safety measures
  • Leading and lagging Quality measures
  • Key Relationships:
    • End-to-End Project Manager
    • Project Engineering Manager
    • Project workstream leaders for all involved functions
    • Factory Leadership Team
    • Vendors/OEMs related to project
    • Local and OEM contractors
    • Corporate OSL resources
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • High proficiency in communicating with front line associates, senior leaders, and external partners
  • Effectively facilitate meetings with cross-functional, collaborative group
  • Proficiency in basic MS Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Teams, etc.)
  • A good working knowledge of manufacturing and problem solving / root cause analysis tools
  • Knowledge of effective project management principles
  • Experience in operations at the local site, or similar
  • Successful experience leading teams
  • Experience as a contributor in a capital project
  • Ability to work across different shifts as required for effective startup, commissioning, qualification
  • Willingness and ability to travel to other Nestlé sites and/or vendor locations as needed


Salary: $82,934.10 to $118,719.00 per year


Bonus Eligibility: Yes


The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.


Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits


It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.


The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.


This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.


Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.


Job Requisition: 418551

Salary : $82,934 - $118,719

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