R&D Pilot Plant Operations Team Leader III - Golden Valley, MN

OVERVIEW

The Pilot Plant Operations Team Lead III is a multifaceted role in that it is a blend of team operations leadership, and R&D business collaboration to advance innovation and technology in our JFB Technical Center.

As part of the responsibility of this Team Lead III role you will manage a team of 15 Technicians and Technologists focused on First Shift operations at the JFB Technical Center. Providing leadership and direction across the execution of safe daily operations, sanitation and system setup for the platform.

They will act as a strategic partner for their R&D Operating Units on prioritization of work, performance and technology required to serve short and long-term needs. In addition to supporting the platforms above and as a broader leadership responsibility, the Integrated Operations Team Lead III will have Pilot Plant strategic ownership of key areas such as:

• Capacity / Utilization and Data Analysis. Ensure that we have clear information for our business stakeholders on the capacity of both systems and people to validate capability to deliver on the ever changing demands from the operating units.
• Monthly Direction Setting: Leadership to define 30-60-90 day actions around operational and technical improvements (Glide Path improvement activity) to support our Partner Promise Commitments.

The Team Leader III reports to the Pilot Plant Operations Manager and will work on 1st shift alongside their team, providing overlap, before and after for shift for hand-offs and Extended Leadership Team activities. Occasional weekends required to support cereal production runs (quarterly to bi-monthly)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• The Team Leader is responsible for providing daily leadership and direction for the execution of Cereal operations, sanitation and setup tasks in support of innovation and product development.
• You and your team will partner directly with both R&D and Operations customers to develop new products and processes, improve existing products and processes, support cost savings initiatives, and in some instances, produce products for retail sale.
• In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead, motivate, and develop employees and our broader Pilot Plant organization to achieve outstanding results for ITQ and GMI.
• Provide clear objectives, performance feedback, coaching and development to team members via regular meetings, annual objectives, performance appraisals, ongoing feedback, IDP's and/or other tools to ensure team development, job satisfaction.
• Foster positive employee relations with the team and co-workers; create and promote a team environment, manage conflict, and resolve issues in an open, direct, and respectful manner.
• Provide organizational leadership for your team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Suggest and implement process and staffing improvements that ensures proper business support across multiple product platforms.
• Provide the business and technical leadership necessary to ensure both the department and ITQ meet/exceed goals in key success areas such as: Human safety, Food safety, Run success, and Customer satisfaction.
• Authentically live and lead with a Servant Leadership and Engaging Leader mentality. Drive forward a culture of strong human and food safety values and lead efforts which help us realize our vision of Incident Free.
• Facilitate effective sharing of information across work teams, shifts and functional groups, foster strong collaboration.
• Lead the development and implementation of Continuous Improvement and operations focused strategies for the JFB Pilot Plants. Foster a strong problem-solving culture.
• Build system technical mastery and knowledge of processes to ensure that the team is progressively developing strong technical expertise.
• Lead the development of training and skill development plans.
• Establish foundational operational excellence, building capabilities and leverage partnerships to expand and transform ("fit-to-grow").

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering or other relevant experiences with 4+ years of Operations leadership with 1+ year of people leadership with multiple direct reports and/or R&D product development and technology experience
• Self-Starter, capable of making fast, well-informed decisions to drive optimal solutions
• History of partnership with multiple customers in a dynamic learning environment
• Strong Process leadership, influencing and problem-solving skills
• Strong Engaging Leader, communication and interpersonal skills solutions
• Demonstrated teaching and training abilities with strong communication skills at all levels of an organization

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Food Manufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practices
• Demonstrated understanding of proper elements of PM / PdM Programs / World Class M&R
• Safety Leadership 2.0 / 5 HOP Principles / Continuous improvement / Zero Loss / Engaging Leader MFG
• Practical Knowledge of MMS (Maximo) / MSP
• Sanitation and Inspection Processes

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for a U.S. work visa.
• International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one other and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.