Team Lead, Xanthan Gum

At Jungbunzlauer Canada Inc. the Xanthan Team Leader holds a critical leadership role in production and operations of the Xanthan Plant. Using strong skills and knowledge of chemical/mechanical systems as well as leadership abilities, the job holder leads a Team of Production Technicians and Blending and Packaging technicians that operates and optimizes production while minimizing waste. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering a safe working environment and achieving operational excellence using diligence and discernment in the performance of your duties.

This position is part of the Emergency Rescue Team (ERT). Team Leaders are required to complete all mandatory training and are expected to respond promptly, follow established safety protocols, and support rescue operations as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel.

Qualified and experienced applicants for this position only are asked to email their resume and cover letter to: [email protected]

Health, Safety, and Compliance:

Ensure full compliance with all health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures for all employees and contractors in the Xanthan Gum production facility

Promote and support safety and quality programs as an active member of the Leadership Group.

Uphold safety reporting standards and drive continuous improvements in workplace safety

Maintain and implement lockout/tagout procedures daily, ensuring completion of safe work permits and required documentation before commencing any work

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Training:

Assist in preparing and drafting all SOPs and OPLs required for safety, quality, and production operations

Manage and monitoring of key process parameters of rectification department to ensure efficient operation

Manage and operate the rectification process of the IPA distillation to ensure efficient and continuous operation

Maintain and update the training matrix to ensure all employees are appropriately trained and qualified to perform their assigned tasks

Oversee the training and performance of Fermentation and Purification Technicians, as well as Blending and Packaging personnel

Quality and Food Safety:

Ensure all products consistently meet or exceed established quality and food safety standards.

Safeguard food safety by ensuring adherence to all regulatory and company-specific requirements

Production and Process Management:

Drive achievement of production volume targets in line with budgeted goals

Manage process control systems for Xanthan gum process to ensure efficient and continuous operations

Implement continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing performance, sustainability, and overall operational efficiency

Ensure the facility maintains an “audit ready” status at all times, including housekeeping, compliance with operational excellence principles, and FSSC standards

Communication and Collaboration:

Foster effective communication across the Xanthan Management Team and through cross-functional collaboration with other departments

Participate in customer audits, presenting operational strengths and addressing any areas of improvement

Planning and Monitoring:

Monitor and execute production planning according to internal specifications and manufacturing execution software PAXAN.

Oversee the sterility of the lab fermenter by inspecting culture plates and inoculation procedures of the Prefermenter

Conduct daily team meetings with all shift staff to discuss safety, production planning, quality, and KPIs

Monitor and control key process parameters for fermentation, purification, blending and packaging operations

Collaborate with maintenance personnel by assisting in equipment maintenance tasks. Participate in diagnosing process inefficiencies or equipment malfunctions and report in SAP.

Ensure adherence to cleanliness standards, energy efficiency goals, and regulatory compliance.

Monitor performance of the IPA distillation at rectification processes, working closely with technicians to ensure optimal output

Operational Excellence:

Validate blending recipes by inspecting assigned containers and ensuring packaging accuracy (labels and printing)

Collect and store batch samples properly, ensuring sterility and accurate labeling before storage.

Complete walkthroughs of the production facility to monitor all operations, including the chiller units and tank farms

Lead and manage the purification technician team, conduct staff appraisals, and promote personal development

Additional Responsibilities:

Handle other duties as assigned by management, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to support departmental needs

• Post-secondary education in one or more of the following areas: chemical or mechanical engineering technologies, stationary engineering, or formal education in chemistry or related plant operations
• A minimum of 2-5 years professional experience within a food or chemical manufacturing industry
• Leadership abilities in food manufacturing or a related industry
• Adept in Microsoft Office and SAP
• Experience with DCS or similar process control equipment
• Skillful and adaptable decision-maker, using critical analysis techniques on available information
• Ability to implement change and motivate continuous improvement
• Self-motivated to learn and gain a deeper understanding of plant processes from first principles
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.