Director of Product & Process

Director of Product & Process

Houston, TX

Our client, a growing global nutraceutical company, is hiring a Director of Product & Process to develop a data‑driven and automated understanding of manufacturing processes by leveraging sensor data, process analytics, and advanced process control methodologies. This role applies data science, process modelling, cybernetic principles, and multivariate analysis to identify variability, root causes, and opportunities for improvement across manufacturing operations.

As part of the Technology Hub, this role collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Automation, Maintenance, R&D, and Innovation teams to drive data‑enabled optimization and digitalization initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze large‑scale process, equipment, and sensor data using advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and multivariate analysis to identify trends, variability, and root causes.
• Develop data‑driven models to predict process behavior, yield performance, cost drivers, and process capability.
• Establish digital process monitoring systems using tools such as Grafana, JMP, or similar platforms to support real‑time decision‑making.
• Develop and maintain process models and digital representations of production systems based on operational data.
• Apply cybernetic principles of feedback control to improve process stability, robustness, and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities for advanced process control (APC), closed‑loop optimization, and automated decision support.
• Collaborate with automation and control engineers to translate analytical insights into improved control strategies and automation enhancements.
• Support development of predictive monitoring and anomaly detection systems leveraging process data.
• Lead hands‑on investigations and improvement initiatives ensuring analytical findings are turned into sustainable operational improvements.
• Design and execute structured experiments (DoE) to validate hypotheses and quantify process improvements.
• Identify opportunities for yield improvement, cost reduction, enhanced process capability, and improved operational robustness.
• Support new product development, process scale‑up, and technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing.
• Ensure new processes include robust control strategies, monitoring systems, and data‑driven performance models.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Automation, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure successful implementation of improvements.
• Translate complex analytical findings into practical operational solutions and process changes.
• Support digital manufacturing initiatives, including development of process data infrastructure and integration of new sensors.
• Contribute to the development of data platforms and analytical tools to enhance process transparency and operational intelligence.
• Document analyses, models, recommendations, and implemented improvements in accordance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.
• Manage and contribute to cross‑functional projects focused on process optimization, automation, and digital manufacturing.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Process Engineering, Automation, Data Science, Chemical Engineering, or similar (PhD preferred).
• 8 years’ experience in a process role in a manufacturing environment.
• Very strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actions.
• Comfortable working with large data sets and turning data into clear insight.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to drive alignment across functio