Technical Applications Group Director

SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Technical Applications Group (TAG) Director to lead a dynamic team within our cheese manufacturing organization. This role is critical in driving technical excellence, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and supporting operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in statistical process control (SPC), data analysis, and root cause methodologies, combined with proven leadership capabilities and cross-functional collaboration experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Leadership & Team Development

• Leads, mentors, and develops a team of technical professionals to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Fosters continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration.

Technical Expertise & Process Management

• Oversees creation and management of Bills of Materials (BOM) for all products.
• Develops and maintains accurate work instructions to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Implements and monitors statistical process control (SPC) systems to maintain product quality and process stability.
• Uses data analysis to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and drive process improvements.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensures adherence to food safety regulations and plant safety standards.
• Collaborates with Quality Assurance to maintain compliance with industry certifications and audits.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Engineering, and R&D teams to support new product development, process optimization, and technical problem-solving.
• Serves as technical resource for internal stakeholders and external partners.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Applies root cause analysis methodologies to resolve complex technical issues.
• Drives initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position is responsible for overseeing a team of R&D specialists supporting various product and process application functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Engineering, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience managing technical teams in a food manufacturing environment, preferably dairy or cheese required.
• Proven expertise in SPC, data analysis, and root cause problem-solving required.
• Strong understanding of BOM creation and management, work instruction development, and food safety standards required.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Data Analysis: Skilled in designing statistical experiments, analyzing data, and providing guidance to team members on data collection and analysis.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills - Ability to manage and navigate priorities while meeting deadlines, anticipating needs, and proactively resolving issues
• Coaching – Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Accuracy – Ensures precision and attention to detail in all tasks, maintaining high standards for data integrity, documentation, and work output. Consistently produces error-free work and carefully reviews information to prevent mistakes.
• Communicates effectively – Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate thoughts and express ideas to any audience and actively listen to understand.
• Decision quality – Makes sound and timely decisions, using a mixture of analysis of information, experience, and judgement, weighs risks and benefits.
• Resilience – remains composed and effective under pressure, maintaining focus and productivity in evolving environments; recovers quickly from setbacks and persists in the face of challenges.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION

This is an onsite position located at our Joe’s Lab facility in Plymouth, WI.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%). A valid driver’s license is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary.

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