Operations Manager

The people of ICM, Inc., are focused on sustaining agriculture through innovation. 

Position Overview:

The Operations Manager will implement and manage R&D projects developed by ICM scientists and engineers that are approved for piloting. This person will lead the direction, planning, organization, and supervision of the St. Joe R&D development staff and Pilot Plant. The Operations Manager is responsible for coordinating the St. Joe R&D development program with Colwich R&D, internal customers, and external customers to assure effective R&D operations in St. Joe that contribute to the goals of the R&D Department and ICM.

Responsibilities:

• Provide overall technical direction for St. Joe R&D activities in the laboratory and Pilot Plant. 
• Provide leadership for the effective use of ICM St. Joe assets for the development, scale-up, and commercialization of new and improved technologies. 
• Oversee St. Joe R&D efforts; review projects, evaluate future projects and communicate information and recommendations to the Director of R&D. 
• Responsible for the development of appropriate SOP's for Pilot Plant activities. 
• Thoroughly document all procedures and experimental results. Provide detailed oral and written reports of experimental results. Ensure all data is recorded according to ICM legal standards and reported as required. 
• Supervise the coordination of schedules between pilot floor staff and laboratory research staff. 
• Manage Pilot Plant inventory to include equipment and materials of both internal and external customers. 
• Conduct regular safety training and inspections. Manage and ensure a clean and safe work environment, maintaining the functionality of the Pilot Plant. 
• Coordinate staff training programs and ensure that Pilot Plant and St. Joe R&D development staff skill sets are maintained at the level required by corporate training initiatives. 
• Responsible for setting and maintaining R&D budgets for St. Joseph R&D and Pilot Plant. 
• Responsible for St. Joe R&D and Pilot Plant top line capacity/load. 
• Responsible for advanced research and development and ICM relationships with LifeLine Foods. 
• Maintain a positive, team-oriented interaction with co-workers, direct reports and other ICM departments. 
• Manage the Pilot Plant and St. Joe R&D department staffing, supervision, scheduling, development, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions. Lead the development of team WIG's and measure performance toward achieving WIG's.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Engineering field required.
• MBA preferred, PMP preferred.
• 7-10 years experience in applied science/engineering and research or production required.
• Relevant Industry experience preferred.
• Previous managerial or supervisory experience required.
• Familiar with ethanol plant technology and operations including: conversion of grains and cellulose, safety requirements, environmental requirements, grain handling, cook & liquefaction, fermentation, enzymes, yeast propagation, distillation, evaporation, molecular sieves, centrifugation, dryers, laboratory testing requirements.
• Shall be proficient with laboratory equipment and testing requirements including: safety requirements, environmental requirements, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), moisture balance, sieve shaker, Karl Fisher, pH Meter, microscope, sample storage, dextrose equivalent measurement, COD & general waste treatment measurements, gas chromatograph (GC).
• Possess excellent communications and computer skills utilizing MS Office and Microsoft Project required.
• Experience with computer-aided experimental design techniques such as Response Surface Methodology is preferred. Utilization of JMP software preferred. 
• Familiar with reading blueprints and process flow diagrams required.
• Strong strategic, analytical, organizational skills.
• Acts with honesty and integrity.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with company executives and leadership.
• Ability to maintain good relationships with internal and external customers, use tact and diplomacy, and possess a customer service focus.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Manage multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy.
• Demonstrates attention to detail.

Physical activities and requirements of this position:

• 10+% travel required or as needed.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Able to view computer screen for lengths at a time.
• Must be able to speak and listen clearly.
• Fine visual acuity to read for accuracy.
• May be exposed to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, extreme hot and cold depending on weather conditions.
• May be required to work in high, precarious places. 
• This job may require lifting of up to 50 pounds seldom.

Compensation:  Attractive salary and benefits package along with relocation assistance available.