Manufacturing Technical and Innovation Manager - New Century

Only for registered members New Century, United States

3 days ago

Location: · On-Site in New Century, KS · Reports to: · Factory Director · About The Role · As the Technology & Innovation Manager, you will lead all site‑level initiatives related to technology, innovation, and continuous process improvement. · Acting as the central interface bet ...

Job description

Location:
On-Site in New Century, KS

Reports to:
Factory Director

About The Role

As the Technology & Innovation Manager, you will lead all site‑level initiatives related to technology, innovation, and continuous process improvement.

Acting as the central interface between operations, engineering, central teams, and external partners, you will drive strategic and operational projects that enhance plant competitiveness, productivity, and capability.

You will oversee product innovation execution, value‑saving projects, capability development, and technology transfer activities — while developing and leading a team of technical experts.

As the Technology & Innovation Manager, you will drive the future of the factory by implementing technological advancements, optimizing processes, and ensuring cross‑functional alignment.

Your leadership will build the foundation for sustained operational excellence and support Flora Food Group's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

What You'll Do

Strategic Management of Technology & Innovation

Lead and deliver innovation projects, including technology transfers, process improvements, and product development in close partnership with central teams (R&D, Engineering, Procurement, etc.).

Ensure timely and successful introduction of new processes and technologies aligned to Zero‑Based Waste targets and efficiency standards.
Develop strategies to elevate operational excellence, improve capacity, increase OEE, and reduce waste while prioritizing safety and quality.
Represent the plant in cross‑functional projects, ensuring smooth end‑to‑end project execution.
Manage and allocate T&I resources effectively, including ownership and maintenance of the factory capabilities passport.
Coordinate and update the factory's annual Innovation Agenda and ensure strong communication with site leadership.
Provide monthly progress reports including achievements, upcoming priorities, and resource utilization.

Execute Flora Ways of Working for innovation projects from kickoff and trials through implementation and Post‑Launch Evaluations, maintaining project archives and ensuring standards and specifications are updated.

Serve as a core team member during new equipment commissioning to validate capabilities, support ramp‑up, and ensure first‑time‑right outcomes.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead and coach a high‑performing team specializing in technology, innovation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Build technical expertise within the team and foster a culture of learning and problem‑solving to enhance plant performance.
Maintain close collaboration with Production, Engineering, and other functional areas to secure seamless project execution.

Data Analysis & Process Optimization

Ensure all process documentation is available and updated for production lines, including PFDs, key process parameters, and scrap values.
Analyze operational and process data to identify losses, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
Lead the site's process improvement and KPI development agenda (Technology Contribution Agenda).
Partner with Engineering early in project cycles to identify required investments, secure budgets, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Change Management & Communication

Lead change initiatives and train teams on new technologies, processes, and T&I programs.
Promote knowledge sharing across the plant through strong communication and sustainable learning methods.
Act as the interface with central departments and external stakeholders to align project goals and ensure consistent implementation.
Troubleshoot production issues, participate in root cause analyses, and contribute technical expertise to prevent recurrence.

Project Management & Cross‑Plant Collaboration

Implement effective project management practices, including prioritization, risk analysis, and controlled execution.
Collaborate with other manufacturing sites to share best practices and identify optimization opportunities.
Ensure transparent communication between the site and central teams to support strategic objectives.

About You

Degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
Strong technical and analytical mindset with proven experience in process optimization.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional projects and technical teams.
Skilled in change management, communication, and stakeholder alignment.
Experience with OEE improvement, process capability, and waste reduction preferred.
Able to manage multiple strategic and operational priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

What's Next

If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now

We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile.

Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway.

You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles.

Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.

No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.

Similar jobs

Work in company