Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA· Food & Beverage· Oct 7, 2026 · 20d ago
Fremont, MI, US, 49413-0001
Location
In office
Work mode
Full-time
Schedule
Manager
Level
$100K–$129K est.
Estimated compensation
7+ years exp
Experience
Job description
JOB SUMMARY:
The Pilot Plant Manager provides leadership and strategic direction related to NDC Fremont’s Pilot Plant, site (culinary center, labs) operations, maintenance, and the NMS program (in partnership with the Sr. Manager of Quality and Food Safety). Manage day-to-day requirements of the pilot plant operations to ensure flawless execution of trials for strategic R&D initiatives for the Global Meals and drinks baby food category.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Operational management and planning to execute Pilot Plant trials in a timely and efficient manner.
• Coordinate all aspects of Maintenance and Improvement of Pilot plant equipment and local IT infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance of Pilot Plant facilities and infrastructure in terms of Quality & Food Safety, SH&E, Nestlé Policy, Guidelines and Regulations
• Ensure material and finished product availability from procurement and final disposition.
• Lead and coach team to deliver on performance objectives, define personal and professional development plans / career development
• Support innovation efforts and transfer knowledge of new technologies to support industrialization and Factory Start-up.
• Facilitates small to medium-scale projects in the pilot plant.
• Management of operating expenses and continuous improvement of the operations (efficiency, effectiveness, and capacity).
• Partner with Quality Management lead and provide leadership of NMS program to sustain compliance and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Technology, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 7 years related work experience.
• Experience in managing people in a technical or operational function
• Experience leading or contributing to the preparation of CapEx project submissions and basic project management experience would be an added benefit.
• Basic knowledge of ISO 22000 / NQMS / HACCP / Food Safety / NGMP / EFCA
• Ability to lead, coach and develop people.
• Strong team player, excellent communication/relational and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with Digital and AI tools in manufacturing preferred.
Salary: $107,117.10 to $154,599 per year
Bonus Eligibility: 10%
The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.
Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at nestlejobs.com
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
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Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at nestlejobs.com .
Job Requisition: 421539
Requirements
Must-haves
Operational management and planning to execute Pilot Plant trials in a timely and efficient manner.
Coordinate all aspects of Maintenance and Improvement of Pilot plant equipment and local IT infrastructure.
Ensure compliance of Pilot Plant facilities and infrastructure in terms of Quality & Food Safety, SH&E, Nestlé Policy, Guidelines and Regulations
Ensure material and finished product availability from procurement and final disposition.
Lead and coach team to deliver on performance objectives, define personal and professional development plans / career development
Support innovation efforts and transfer knowledge of new technologies to support industrialization and Factory Start-up.
Facilitates small to medium-scale projects in the pilot plant.
Management of operating expenses and continuous improvement of the operations (efficiency, effectiveness, and capacity).
Partner with Quality Management lead and provide leadership of NMS program to sustain compliance and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Bachelors degree in Engineering, Technology, or equivalent experience
Minimum 7 years related work experience.
Experience in managing people in a technical or operational function
Experience leading or contributing to the preparation of CapEx project submissions and basic project management experience would be an added benefit.
Basic knowledge of ISO 22000 / NQMS / HACCP / Food Safety / NGMP / EFCA
Ability to lead, coach and develop people.
Strong team player, excellent communication/relational and stakeholder management skills
Salary: $107,117.10 to $154,599 per year
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
Job Requisition: 421539
Nice-to-haves
Experience with Digital and AI tools in manufacturing preferred.
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.