Process Science Manager

at  Kerry

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Third level qualification, minimum primary degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, in a Bioprocess Science or related discipline.
• Significant experience in fermentation / DSP technology for the manufacture of enzymes or other ingredients.
• Expertise in the key unit operations – fermentation, filtration (micro, ultra, sterile, Reverse Osmosis, etc), spray drying, finished powder and liquid formulation, blending & packaging.
• A Team player, with strong experience in people leadership and development
• Ability and agility for working in global matrix organisations
• Well organised with the ability to manage time effectively
• Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate in a concise and clear manner both verbally and written to a varied audience.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is crucial to support future growth of our Global Enzymes and Brewing Ingredients businesses. Under the direction of the Carrigaline Plant Manager, this leadership role manages a team of upstream, downstream and microbiologist experts and will interface with cross functional teams in both local and global environments.
The role needs to ensure performance and consistent fermentation processes, downstream processing and extraction processes and ultimately the performance of our enzymes products – portfolio. The individual will drive the evolution of process capabilities to support the growth and increase efficiency of unit operations, whilst striving to improve yields and reduce cost. A key focus of the role will be process optimization, process transfers between Kerry sites or toll production / evaluation and the implementation of new technologies / new process development to meet current and future production needs.
The role will be working in partnership with cross functional teams in a local and global environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As Process Sciences Manager you will:

• Ensure the execution of the process improvement/upscaling strategic initiative by managing a team consisting of several scientists and experts (Upstream/Downstream processing/drying) based onsite.
• Mentor team and support training and career progression in co-operation with other functions
• Drive continuous yield improvements and ensure yield targets are met at all stages of the process (fermentation, downstream processing and extracted)
• Investigate variances to target, determine and implement corrective actions.
• Manage documentation control to ensure all documentations, systems required for production and development are maintained and up to date.
• Work with Operations Finance to determine cost benefit of process modifications prior to implementation.
• Support R&D and work in close collaboration with the R&D and Engineering teams to develop and transfer new fermentation and DSP processes as well as ongoing efficiency improvements to existing processes.
• Ensure development opportunities are implemented and any transfer of data in or out of the company is appropriately and properly documented and recorded.
• Work with Process engineering and R&D to enable the design, specification, installation, and commissioning of new plant to successfully progress to completion.
• Carry out any necessary pilot trials to ensure specification of plant meets the requirements set out in the development stage.
• Identify potential toll operators with the plant capability to meet any production requirements demanded by the business.
• Work with the Third Party Manufacturing Manager, Production manager, QA, RD&A and Supply chain to ensure any potential toll manufacturer is capable of meeting the requirements of the business.
• Manage appropriately all production strains (bacteria, fungi, yeast) MCB/WCB preparation/validations by working in close collaboration with R&D functions and update SOP, systems for culture storage, or seeding strategy as required.
• Develop new/improved systems for culture storage as required. Underpinned with the principle of ‘Safety first and Quality always’ guiding the day to day responsibilities.