Pilot Plant Manager

Summary

The Pilot Plant Manager leads the operation, safety, capability development, and continuous improvement of the pilot plant facility to enable efficient product development, process scale‑up, and commercialization. This role bridges R&D, Operations, Quality, and Engineering to ensure that bench formulations translate effectively to scalable, manufacturable products. This leader ensures the pilot plant operates as a high‑performing, technically sound, and strategically aligned capability that supports innovation, renovation, and commercialization priorities.

• Oversee daily pilot plant operations, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Ensure safe, compliant operation of all processing equipment (HTST, homogenizer, separators, retort, etc.).
• Manage batch execution for product development, scale‑up trials, and validation runs.
• Optimize throughput while maintaining flexibility for innovation work.
• Establish and manage hold‑time standards, CIP protocols, and sanitation procedures.

• Work with R&D to translate bench formulas into scalable pilot processes.
• Partner with R&D scientists to identify processing risks early (emulsification, stability, shear sensitivity, thermal impact).
• Support plant trials and technical transfer documentation.
• Lead process validation and parameter optimization (time/temp, shear, homogenization pressure, etc.).
• Work with TPA/QA on Pilot Retort Recipes.
• Document learnings to build institutional knowledge.
• Work with Commercial team to make and send sales samples.

• Lead commissioning and qualification of new equipment in the pilot.
• Develop equipment SOPs and training materials.
• Identify capability gaps aligned with 2–3 year innovation roadmap.
• Support capital planning and ROI justification for new technologies.
• Maintain relationships with equipment vendors and service providers.

• Own pilot plant safety culture and compliance standards.
• Ensure GMP compliance and food safety standards.
• Lead risk assessments and mitigation plans.
• Partner with QA to align pilot and manufacturing expectations.
• Maintain calibration, preventive maintenance, and documentation systems.

• Manage pilot plant technologists.
• Develop cross‑training programs to increase operational flexibility.
• Create structured onboarding and technical skill development pathways.
• Foster a proactive, solutions‑oriented culture.
• Act as a visible leader who reinforces accountability and collaboration.

• Align pilot plant capabilities with R&D and business strategy.
• Provide input into innovation feasibility, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Track KPIs (trial success rate, throughput, cycle time, equipment uptime, safety metrics).
• Build a continuous improvement roadmap for the facility.

Technical:

• Thermal processing (HTST, UHT, retort)
• Homogenization and emulsification systems
• CIP and sanitation systems
• Food safety & GMP compliance
• Process scale‑up methodology
• Equipment commissioning and troubleshooting

Leadership:

• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Operational discipline
• Resource prioritization
• Coaching & technical mentorship
• Decision‑making under ambiguity

Strategic:

• Commercialization mindset
• Capital planning
• Continuous improvement
• Systems thinking

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 7–10+ years in food/beverage manufacturing or pilot plant operations.
• 3–5+ years of people leadership preferred.
• Experience supporting commercialization and plant trials.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high‑quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose‑driven, people‑first, food‑and‑wellness‑focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt…