New

Pilot Plant Manager

Chobani
$95,000.00 - $150,700.00,
parental leave, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)

Mar 04, 2026
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. Responsibilities Pilot Plant Operations & Execution * 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. ________________________________________ Scale-Up & Commercialization Support * 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 ________________________________________ Equipment & Capability Development * 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. ________________________________________ Safety, Compliance & Quality * 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. ________________________________________ Team Leadership & Development * 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. ________________________________________ Strategic Contribution * 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. Key Competencies 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 Requirements * 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. About Us 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 byHamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers - Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafes nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail. In 2025, Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a modern brand offering consumers nutritious, delicious and convenient ready-to-make meals. Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world - putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond. Chobani manufactures its products inNew York,Idaho,MichiganandAustralia, and its products are available throughoutNorth Americaand distributed inAustraliaand other select markets. For more information, please visitwww.chobani.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws. The salary range for this full-time position is $95,000.00 - $150,700.00, + bonus + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Chobani provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, disability insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement. To help save for the future, all employees are eligible for a 401k match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay. To support growing families, we provide fertility and childcare assistance, and 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment. In addition, we provide wellness resources which include an employee assistance program, fitness discounts, a wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access (certain locations) and a monthly wellness newsletter to connect you with resources and timely information. We offer various types of paid time of including: 120 hours of paid time off, 11 holidays, and paid volunteer time off.