What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pilot Plant, Plant Manager position at Zinpro?
The base salary listed is a range. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).
In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for a bonus, providing the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
Benefits
Our Total Rewards programs continue to lead, innovate and embody our core values – caring for the health and wellbeing of all. Zinpro offers a competitive salary and a premium benefits package, including 100% employer-paid healthcare and generous paid time off. We provide a wide range of benefits and resources designed to support you at every stage of life: education assistance, retirement planning, 401(k), disability and long-term care insurance, travel assistance, fitness reimbursement, gift matching, and more.
Our Culture of Care – Zinpro®
Position Summary
The Pilot Plant Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the pilot plant, supporting product development, scale-up, and manufacturing readiness. The role integrates laboratory services management, plant operations leadership, and production execution to ensure pilot-scale processes deliver reliable, high-quality data and product for commercialization. This role leads pilot plant personnel, oversees pilot-scale production and analytical activities, and partners cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations.
Essential Functions
- Act as the primary liaison with the external engineering firm, managing scope, schedule, budget, safety, and deliverables.
- Lead pilot plant build‑out and commissioning, including capital management, vendor coordination, equipment selection, and scope changes.
- Direct day-to-day pilot plant operations including pilot-scale production, processing, blending, packaging, and material handling.
- Establish production priorities, schedules, and resource plans to support R&D trials and scale-up activities.
- Oversee analytical and physical testing, ensuring data integrity, instrument readiness, and compliance with SOPs and GMPs.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, HACCP, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead, coach, and develop pilot plant and laboratory staff.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across safety, quality, cost, and efficiency.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support technology transfer and commercialization.
Qualifications
Minimum Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field.
- 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing, pilot plant, laboratory, or operations environments.
- Demonstrated people leadership and strong technical problem-solving skills.
Preferred:
- Advanced degree, experience in regulated manufacturing environments, and Lean or Six Sigma certification.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Work is performed in laboratory and pilot plant environments with exposure to chemicals, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
- Requires standing, walking, lifting up to 50–60 lbs, and use of PPE.
Schedule Requirements
- Core business hours with flexibility to support off-shift operations as needed.
Travel Requirements
- Occasional travel to company facilities or corporate locations.
About Zinpro
At Zinpro, advancing health and wellbeing for animals and people is at the heart of everything we do. A pioneer in performance trace minerals and innovative nutritional solutions, Zinpro partners with customers worldwide to unlock better animal performance through smarter, science‑led nutrition.
Family‑owned and privately held, our steady growth is fueled by a world‑class team who manufactures high‑quality products marketed in more than 70 countries. As a global leader in animal nutrition, we're committed to developing more sustainable practices.
Working at Zinpro means making a positive difference alongside bright, passionate people in a culture recognized as a Great Place to Work®. Employees gain broad experience in a growing organization known for its commitment to people, customers and our communities. Here, we value diverse perspectives as we build equitable and inclusive teams.
Zinpro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Salary : $98,000 - $129,000