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Pilot Plant, Plant Manager

The base salary listed is a range. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).

In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for a bonus, providing the opportunity to earn additional compensation.

Benefits

Our Total Rewards programs continue to lead, innovate and embody our core values – caring for the health and wellbeing of all. Zinpro offers a competitive salary and a premium benefits package, including 100% employer-paid healthcare and generous paid time off. We provide a wide range of benefits and resources designed to support you at every stage of life: education assistance, retirement planning, 401(k), disability and long-term care insurance, travel assistance, fitness reimbursement, gift matching, and more.

Our Culture of Care – Zinpro®

Position Summary

The Pilot Plant Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the pilot plant, supporting product development, scale-up, and manufacturing readiness. The role integrates laboratory services management, plant operations leadership, and production execution to ensure pilot-scale processes deliver reliable, high-quality data and product for commercialization. This role leads pilot plant personnel, oversees pilot-scale production and analytical activities, and partners cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations.

Essential Functions

Act as the primary liaison with the external engineering firm, managing scope, schedule, budget, safety, and deliverables.
Lead pilot plant build‑out and commissioning, including capital management, vendor coordination, equipment selection, and scope changes.
Direct day-to-day pilot plant operations including pilot-scale production, processing, blending, packaging, and material handling.
Establish production priorities, schedules, and resource plans to support R&D trials and scale-up activities.
Oversee analytical and physical testing, ensuring data integrity, instrument readiness, and compliance with SOPs and GMPs.
Ensure compliance with safety, quality, HACCP, and regulatory requirements.
Lead, coach, and develop pilot plant and laboratory staff.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across safety, quality, cost, and efficiency.
Collaborate cross-functionally to support technology transfer and commercialization.

Qualifications

Minimum Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field.
5–7+ years of experience in manufacturing, pilot plant, laboratory, or operations environments.
Demonstrated people leadership and strong technical problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

Advanced degree, experience in regulated manufacturing environments, and Lean or Six Sigma certification.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in laboratory and pilot plant environments with exposure to chemicals, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
Requires standing, walking, lifting up to 50–60 lbs, and use of PPE.

Schedule Requirements

Core business hours with flexibility to support off-shift operations as needed.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel to company facilities or corporate locations.

About Zinpro

For more than 52 years, Zinpro has improved the health and wellbeing of both animals and people as a pioneer in the research and development of performance trace minerals and innovative nutritional solutions. As a family-owned, privately held company, our steady growth can be attributed to employing a world-class team of experts, manufacturing quality products and our steadfast commitment to helping our customers advance the health and performance of their animals. With products marketed in more than 70 countries worldwide, Zinpro is the global leader in advancing animal performance through greater nutrition and is dedicated to creating smarter practices for a better, more sustainable world.

Working at Zinpro means you’ll make a positive difference, working as part of an authentic and caring community of bright, passionate people. You’ll gain broad experience in a growing company known for its exceptional commitment to employees, customers and our communities. And you’ll quickly see that your unique ideas and perspectives are valued here, where we work continually to create diverse, equitable and inclusive teams.

Zinpro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability

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