Director of Technical Services bei Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative

Summary of position:

The Director of Technical Services (DTS) is responsible for overseeing technical services and quality assurance for Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative (SMBSC) and its subsidiaries.  This position will guide the technical services team to coordinate and provide technical assistance and data analysis to meet company needs.  The DTS assists SMBSC reach its mission by (1) conducting enterprise-wide research and analysis to support operations (i.e.:  factory, warehouse, wastewater, and environmental), and (2) overseeing laboratory analysis to identify trends as well offer alternative work procedures aimed at maximizing efficiency and revenues without compromising safety, quality, and the environment, and (3) developing, implementing, and managing quality control systems designed to ensure continuous production of sugar and co-products consistent with established standards, customer specifications, and production goals. 

Essential Functions:

Technical Guidance and Expertise

• In partnership with the Executive Director of Continuous Process Improvement and Product Development and the Spreckels District Manager:
  • Explores and evaluates research and development proposals for planning and production activities as well as environmental studies, projects and permit applications; estimates project costs and potential savings; identifies alternative routes and potential pitfalls with proposals
  • Assists management with scientific and technical goal setting; creates plans to evaluate and measure goals; analyzes data and reports findings
  • Recommends modifications to eliminate or reduce system malfunctions and human errors
  • Conducts research to test and analyze the feasibility, design, operation and performance of current and future chemical and technical processes
  • Directs, reviews and approves project design and project design changes
  • Develops, determines and implements policies, procedures and programs to meet company needs while meeting compliance requirements; ensures projects and proposed changes adhere to safety, quality and environmental restrictions and guidelines

Quality Assurance

• Develops relationships with customers to be able to quickly and efficiently address issues and complaints, serving as liaison between the company, National Sugar Marketing, and its customers
• Collects, synthesizes, and determines root causes related to customer complaints; investigates and produces corrective action and preventative action procedures, techniques and trainings aimed at proactively predicting and preventing future incidents

Leadership

• Coaches, develops, and monitors employee progression; assists with individual and organizational goal setting; and sets employment expectations through employee accountability
• Contributes to the formulation of annual operating and capital expenditure budgeting
• Provides subject matter expertise regarding research and design
• Develops, implements, and maintains laboratory controls and best practices
• Attends staff and board meetings as necessary; serves as a team member on various committees aimed at improving the Company

Special Projects

• Responsible for the oversight and completion of the Mendota project, which includes investigating and researching ways to identify, abate, or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards
  • Recommends action based on data derived from measurements of observations of air, soil, water, and other sources

Core Competencies and Skill Requirements:

• Commitment to zero-lost time workforces, uncompromising quality, and 100% environmental compliance
  • Ability to work in a responsible, safe manner by adhering to enterprise-wide policies and procedures
• Strong understanding of technical and chemical concepts
  • Knowledge of mathematical concepts including algebra, geometry, statistics and calculus
  • Knowledge of chemical concepts including chemical composition, structure and properties of substances and the chemical processes and transformations they undergo
  • Knowledge of the practical application of science, including applying principles, techniques, and procedures to the design, research and development of sugar production activities
• Demonstrated food safety and quality assurance knowledge
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the manufacture and distribution of goods
  • Knowledge of techniques and equipment for food products for animal and human consumption, including storage/handling techniques
  • Knowledge of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) and the Food Safety Modernization Act
  • Ability to obtain the Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification
• Broad understanding of environmental laws and regulations
  • Ability to evaluate information to determine compliance using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, and standards
  • Ability to keep up-to-date with changes to regulations and standards; applies the knowledge to benefit SMBSC, SSCI, and its constituents
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills
  • Ability to gather information by observing, receiving and obtaining information from relevant sources
  • Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret information and ideas presented through written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with internal and external audiences and maintain these relationships over time to advance the overall public image of the company
  • Ability to document information in a logical, sequential manner
  • Ability to communicate with a variety of audiences with diverse backgrounds using oral and written communication as well as individual and group formats, including presentations to train and guide technicians and professionals
• Strong conflict management and resolutions skills
  • Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve conflicts; negotiates with external audiences
  • Ability to maintain a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Statistics or related field
• Three to five years’ experience analyzing data and providing trend analysis
• Proficient in Microsoft Office