Technical Applications Group Director Job at Sartori Company in Plymouth

Technical Applications Group Director

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Technical Applications Group (TAG) Director to lead a dynamic team within our cheese manufacturing organization. This role is critical in driving technical excellence, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and supporting operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in statistical process control (SPC), data analysis, and root cause methodologies, combined with proven leadership capabilities and cross-functional collaboration experience.

Leadership & Team Development

• Leads, mentors, and develops a team of technical professionals to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Fosters continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration.

Technical Expertise & Process Management

• Oversees creation and management of Bills of Materials (BOM) for all products.
• Develops and maintains accurate work instructions to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Implements and monitors statistical process control (SPC) systems to maintain product quality and process stability.
• Uses data analysis to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and drive process improvements.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensures adherence to food safety regulations and plant safety standards.
• Collaborates with Quality Assurance to maintain compliance with industry certifications and audits.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Engineering, and R&D teams to support new product development, process optimization, and technical problem-solving.
• Serves as technical resource for internal stakeholders and external partners.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Applies root cause analysis methodologies to resolve complex technical issues.
• Drives initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Engineering, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 510 years of experience managing technical teams in a food manufacturing environment, preferably dairy or cheese required.
• Proven expertise in SPC, data analysis, and root cause problem-solving required.
• Strong understanding of BOM creation and management, work instruction development, and food safety standards required.

Other knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company's culture.
• Data Analysis: Skilled in designing statistical experiments, analyzing data, and providing guidance to team members on data collection and analysis.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage and navigate priorities while meeting deadlines, anticipating needs, and proactively resolving issues.
• Coaching: Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Accuracy: Ensures precision and attention to detail in all tasks, maintaining high standards for data integrity, documentation, and work output. Consistently produces error-free work and carefully reviews information to prevent mistakes.
• Communicates effectively: Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate thoughts and express ideas to any audience and actively listen to understand.
• Decision quality: Makes sound and timely decisions, using a mixture of analysis of information, experience, and judgement, weighs risks and benefits.
• Resilience: Remains composed and effective under pressure, maintaining focus and productivity in evolving environments; recovers quickly from setbacks and persists in the face of challenges.

Work location: This is an onsite position located at our Joe's Lab facility in Plymouth, WI.

Travel requirements: Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%). A valid driver's license is required.