Industrialization Manager Pet Food - Kansas City, MO

Area of responsibility 1 : CMO qualification and production setup

For current and any new facilities, validate the feasibility of the production at the CMO, from the raw materials to the final packing of the products Identify and escalate any potential issues, that could put the production at risk (equipment, technology, quality, quantities, people) prepare abatement strategy, suggest course of action Depending on  the raw materials available on the market, define  the adequate production processes and production parameters to use and propose actions/adjustments In connection with the sourcing department, optimize the use of raw materials, work cross-functionally (R&D, IO, Sourcing)  in cases where modification of specifications are required. Validate the first industrial production batches until the qualification of all the key operational parameters (the defined production parameters must ensure consistent, reliable and repeatable products). On an ongoing basis, identify and propose initiatives to optimize the quality and the cost of the products

Expected results : Ensure the qualification of incoming CMO(s), first product runs are on time and meet determined specifications

Area of responsibility 2:  Ensure product quality standards and operational excellence.

Contribute to build and update the documents required to produce products that comply with the Virbac standards (technical data sheets, technical dossiers, specification sheets) Be present and validate all production runs, until the process is qualified for industrial and routine output Ensure that production processes and parameters are under control Set up indicators to monitor CMO performance in the process control, identify ways to improve the product performance (quality, cost) When the product portfolio  is growing and several CMO are producing, ensure that all the product range is under control and the CMOs have developed a consistent running of our products Ensure we have contingency plans in place for CMOs, standardize the use of key raw materials for ease in production and smooth transition if necessary

Expected results: The product is consistent, meets quality standards and CMOs delivery is reliable and repeatable.

Area of responsibility 3: Raw material sourcing and validation

Depending on raw material sources (quality, specifications, availability), propose process and formulation adjustments to ensure the product will meet specifications, in particular, nutritional value, physical characteristics and palatability Create and collect data for delivery and sourcing of raw materials and finished products, be able to address humidity, density, Gel ratio, product size, % of dust) deviations and engage directly to request corrective actions from CMO or vendor Contribute to the supplier audit program for CMOs and key raw material suppliers (low ash protein premixes, fat materials, palatant), ensure an audit program is in place and executed with findings or actions follow up Contribute to the agreement of new suppliers and perform trials on their raw materials, validate the specifications and technical data sheets of the raw materials used by the CMOs Where applicable, deploy US Quality System based on Global Quality Assurance standards

Expected results:   Defined controls, quality standards and procedures for defined raw material suppliers.

Requirements (Diploma and experience)

Bachelor’s Degree From an Accredited University in Business, Science or Veterinary Studies 5+ years of Manufacturing Experience in a Food/Drug/Pharmaceutical Environment

Skills

Pet Nutrition and/or Animal Health industry experience preferred, experience with food production or extruding in a controlled environment desired. Strong metric driven manufacturing manager, capable of assessing a CMO on product output, customer satisfaction, quality standards, staffing and safety. Role is remote with 25% travel, extended nights in the field during production.