Xanthan Gum Fermentation Manager

From nature to ingredients Jungbunzlauer is one of the world’s leading producers of natural and nature-identical ingredients. The Group operates manufacturing plants in Austria, Canada, France and Germany and specializes in high quality ingredients for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as well as for various other industrial applications. Jungbunzlauer is a successful family-owned company. Passion for our products and a very good understanding of the needs of our customers are key factors to our business. Lean structures, flat hierarchies make us "Better, Faster, Closer." than our competitors and enable us to grow within fast changing markets.

Job Description

At Jungbunzlauer Canada Inc. the Xanthan Gum Fermentation Manager will oversee the operations of the Fermentation department and Fermentation lab to achieve production goals concerning quantity, deadlines, and quality standards. As well as providing technical input and insights to optimize our processes. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the department operates effectively while adhering to safety, quality, and energy management protocols. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering a safe working environment and achieving operational excellence.

Your Tasks

• Ensure compliance with all health & safety regulations, policies, and procedures for all workers performing tasks in the Fermentation Department and Fermentation lab.
• Manage the daily operations of fermentation, including microbial in-process control, production planning, infection control, and maintenance coordination.
• Implement the PAXAN program in fermentation and fermentation Lab.
• Implement practical continuous improvement of Kaizen, 5S, and CI initiatives to improve safety, operating results, productivity and sustainability.
• Oversee individual projects, consumables, media, and special components for fermentation.
• Coordinate all maintenance work for laboratory equipment and fermentation department to ensure smooth plant operations.
• Lead and manage fermentation team for vacation and sick adjustment, including shift schedule adjustments, staff appraisals, training and promoting personal development.
• Implement and coordinate process optimization initiatives, such as media optimization, fermentation optimization, sterile operation, agitator tests and laboratory fermenter tests.
• Collaborate with the strain development/R&D department and represent the department in external customer audits.
• Maintain close relationships with the Purification, Quality and Blending & Packaging departments.
• Ensure document maintenance for internal and external audits, and draft SOPs and OPLs as required.
• Trial fermentations with aim of increasing productivity and create investment proposal for process improvements.
• Implement regular training courses for employees on guidelines related to ISO 9001, IPEC GMP, FSSC 22000, and ISO 50001 standards.
• Participate in bi-weekly meetings with the Xanthan Gum Production manager and investment teams to discuss ongoing optimization projects and report on progress.
• Provide clear and concise updates to the Xanthan Gum Production Manager on project developments and achievements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Your Profile

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Science) ideal.
• A minimum of 5 years managerial professional experience in manufacturing within a food or chemical manufacturing industry.
• Adept in Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Skilful and adaptable decision-maker, using critical analysis techniques on available information.
• Ability to implement change and motivate continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on quality and efficiency.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Your Future

Reporting to the Xanthan Gum Production Manager the job holder will primarily ensure the safe and efficient operation of the fermentation department and lab to meet budgeted production targets. The job holder is a member of the Leadership Team, leading a Team of Fermentation and Lab Technicians and as well working closely with all members the Xanthan Gum Team. Delivering a quality product on time and contributing to the establishment and maintenance of a safe workplace will contribute to the success of the company