Blending Manager at SomafinaIn this pivotal role, you will lead collaboration of blending and mixing processes that transform innovative product ideas into dependable, large-scale production runs. As we attract larger customers and continue our growth trajectory, you'll collaborate with Product Development, Quality, and Production teams to ensure seamless transitions from pilot-scale to commercial volumes, guaranteeing smooth first batch runs, and driving ongoing process improvements for enhanced consistency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
1. Launch & Scale-Up
- Coordinate with the Product developmentteamthe transitionof lab or pilot formulas into plant-ready batch instructions and operatingprocedures.
- Manage engineering and first-time production runs, capturing process data and adjustingblend times and operating proceduresto ensure "right-first-time" success.
2. Process Optimization
- Oversee blend studies (mix time, order of addition, equipment settings) to enhance homogeneity, yield, and throughput.
- Analyzeproductionrun data toidentifysources of variation and implement improvements that minimize scrap, rework, and downtime.
3. Stability & Quality Support
- Maintain comprehensive documentation-SOPs, change controls, and deviation reports-to support internal audits and meet customer requirements.
4. Technology & Equipment Integration
- Evaluate and lead the commissioning of new mixing, sifting,andautomation equipment as production needsevolve.
- Partner with Maintenance teams to introduce real-time monitoring or data-collection tools to improve process visibility, employee safetyand efficiency.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration,
- Act as the technical liaison between R&D, Planning,Purchasing, and Production to coordinate launch timelines andblendcapacity planning.
- Train production technicians and supervisors on new procedures and best practices to ensure operational excellence and safety.
Background
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Food or Pharmaceutical Science, ora relatedfield.
- 5+ years of experience in a managerial role within blending/compounding or process engineering in food, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical, or similar manufacturing environments.
Technical Skills
- In-depth understanding of powder-mixing fundamentals and common blending equipment.
- Proficiency in statistical tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab/JMP) for data-driven problem solving.
- Proven experience writing or revising SOPs and batch records in a regulated manufacturing setting (GMP, ISO, or equivalent).
- Strong analytical mindset with exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying technical information to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Detail-oriented with outstanding documentation and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Soft Skills
- Curious, analytical mindset with strong troubleshooting instincts.
- Clear communicator who can translate technical details to multidisciplinary teams.
- Organized self-starter comfortable juggling multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
Nice-to-Have
- Lean or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) for process optimization.
- Prior involvement in equipment commissioning or scale-up of new production lines.
Join Somafina as we continue to grow and expand our capabilities in the vitamins and supplements market. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and innovate in our batching and blending processes, ensuring the successful transition of products from concept to market while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
