Principal Process Engineer, R&D - Pilot Plant Lead

Fresh-Squeezed Legacy, Bold New Chapter

Tropicana Brands Group is a $3B startup aiming to revolutionize the beverage category. Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our portfolio includes iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With over 76 years of global leadership in the orange juice category, we're committed to preserving this legacy while driving innovation in other areas. From reimagining orange juice to creating functional smoothies and driving afternoon refreshments, we are striving to become the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages.

R&D: The Research & Development (R&D) team drives innovation, product development, and technological advancements across its juice and beverage portfolio. Focused on creating unique flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and improving formulations, the team ensures products meet evolving consumer preferences. They lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring efficient execution while aligning with business goals. Committed to sustainability, they develop innovative packaging solutions that are biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, they uphold rigorous nutritional science and regulatory standards, validating health claims and ensuring compliance. With a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, and process engineering, the team optimizes manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product excellence. Collaborating closely with scientists, nutritionists, and engineers, Tropicana's R&D team plays a crucial role in keeping products competitive, sustainable, and aligned with market demands.

Your Next Pour: The Opportunity

We are looking to add a Principal Process Engineer & Pilot Plant Lead to our R&D team. This role will be responsible for leading all Pilot Plant Operations, including Manufacturing, Maintenance, Planning, QA, and Dock & Warehouse. Tropicana is looking for a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Additional responsibilities include:

• Lead all operations within the Pilot Plant space, providing operational leadership and guidance for ensuring product quality, safety, and production fulfillment for consumer tests, trials, and sales samples. This involves resolving scheduling conflicts and prioritizing with stakeholders.
• Oversee the development, planning, and execution of small-scale production runs and coordination of product distribution to the end customer.
• Provide leadership and input into strategic direction focusing on ensuring that the Pilot Plant is set up to meet and adapt to current and future business needs.
• Lead organizational improvements within the Pilot Plant, including people resourcing, more flexible spaces, raw vs. finished product spaces, and new equipment/technologies to improve efficiency and support innovation.
• Full ownership over the Pilot Plant cost center, including staffing, operations, maintenance, and budgeting requirements to support all Pilot Plant activities, QA, Sanitation, and EHS programs. This involves operating and maintaining Pilot Plant equipment and developing appropriate PMs.
• Partner with Food Safety & Quality to ensure Pilot Plant and Manufacturing Labs meet food safety & regulatory requirements.
• Coach and develop Pilot Plant Operations team members, ensuring development of robust training and career development plans.

The Perfect Blend: Experience

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in the Food & Beverage Industry as a Senior Process Engineer, Senior Product Scientist, or R&D Manager with demonstrated ability to lead teams in the planning and execution of projects and programs.
• Understanding the importance of People Safety, Food Safety & Quality, Sanitary Design, & GMPs.
• Ability to be agile and flexible to changing demands and workload to ensure timely results.
• Excellent leadership, cross-functional communication, and collaboration skills.

Foundational Ingredients: Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Food Engineering, Food Science, or other relevant field of study.
• Technical knowledge of basic unit operations and utilities used in the Food & Beverage manufacturing industry (Acidified, Low Acid, High Acid, Carbonation & Fermentation processing)
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future
• Must be located in Bradenton, Florida surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment.
• Willingness to be onsite daily in the Tropicana manufacturing plant in Bradenton, Florida
• Travel up to 15%

Perks That Pack a Punch

TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.