Process Specialist

Position Overview:

The Process Specialist plays a critical role at the Cayuga Milk Ingredients (CMI) Facility, ensuring seamless operations across all processes within the plant. This role requires comprehensive knowledge of all operational procedures, including raw material receiving (RMR), and the ability to train team members effectively. To achieve the title of Process Specialist, individuals must complete all necessary training and be signed off on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs). Process Specialists work closely with Team Leaders to uphold operational standards, sanitation, and the Five S methodology, driving continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Support:
  • Provide coverage for all departments during employee absences and assist in RMR as needed.
  • Support day-to-day operations to ensure smooth workflows across the facility.
• Training & Development:
  • Train and mentor employees, ensuring compliance with SOPs, SSOPs, and other operational programs.
  • Assist in implementing training initiatives related to sanitation, GMPs, and product handling.
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting:
  • Apply strong judgment and decision-making skills to troubleshoot and resolve equipment and process issues, avoiding safety or financial risks.
  • Investigate product loss incidents, implement corrective actions, and prevent reoccurrence.
• Compliance & Communication:
  • Ensure adherence to corporate policies, plant regulations, GMPs, and food safety standards.
  • Collaborate with external regulatory entities, including FDA, USDA, OSHA, and others, to maintain compliance.
  • Maintain clear and professional communication with employees at all organizational levels and external stakeholders.
• Equipment & Maintenance:
  • Troubleshoot and perform basic maintenance on processing equipment.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in procurement programs and materials management.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • 2 year Technical or Associate degree, or equivalent manufacturing experience in food, dairy, pharmaceutical, or chemical processing is preferred.
  • At least 6 months of employment at CMI with a strong understanding of facility processes.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
  • Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and maintain focus on assigned tasks.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must be signed off on all SOPs and SSOPs.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Familiarity with good manufacturing practices (GMPs), allergen control, and sanitation standards.

Environmental Considerations:

• Must be able to work in environments with varying temperatures.
• Potential exposure to ingredients used in food manufacturing, including allergens.
• May encounter chemicals commonly used in food processing and distribution facilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to navigate all areas of the facility, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to safely perform job duties.
• Ability to stand, sit, and carry out tasks throughout a full shift, with appropriate meal breaks.
• Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.
• Able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodations.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform job duties accurately.
• Capable of assessing weights, judging distances, and working at various heights.

Work Schedule:

Both Days (6:00 AM - 6:30 PM) and Night (6:00 PM - 6:30 AM) positions are available.

Compensation:

At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we value a fair and comprehensive approach to compensation. Our wage range for this role is determined by various factors, including skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an employee to start at or near the top of the range for the position. Compensation decisions are made based on individual job circumstances considering skill level, previous experience, and education requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing their own pay or the pay of others. However, employees with access to compensation information as part of their job duties are prohibited from disclosing this information to unauthorized individuals, except in specific circumstances outlined by applicable laws and regulations (41 CFR 60-1.35(c)).

General Statement: 

All Cayuga employees recognize that the success and prosperity of the company is everyone’s responsibility. All employees are expected to treat each other in a positive, respectful, and professional manner, to be at work for their assigned shift and to work safely as a team. Employees must be self-starters who can relate to all levels of the organization.

Disclaimer:

o All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

o This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

o The company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee's job duties at any time at its sole discretion.

o This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Disclaimer: For Recruiter’s and Staffing Agencies

o At Cayuga Milk, our Human Resources Team leads most of our hiring efforts and takes pride in connecting directly with talented individuals who share our values and passion for what we do. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach from our team.

o While we occasionally partner with external recruitment agencies, we do so only with those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. Currently, we are not adding new agencies to that list.

o If an unsolicited resume or candidate submission is received from an agency or recruiter not authorized by our Human Resources Team, it will be treated as a direct application. Cayuga Milk will not be responsible for any placement or referral fees related to these submissions.