Sr. Dairy Technologist

Job Description

Job Description

General Description:

The Sr. Dairy Technologist is responsible for completing assigned duties to ensure customer, team member, and vendor satisfaction. The Sr. Dairy Technologist does this by leading and integrating key functions across dairy production operations, food safety, quality assurance, and product innovation. The Sr. Dairy Technologist also will serve as a cross-functional leader and technical expert, supporting daily plant operations while championing continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and the successful launch of new dairy products. The Sr. Dairy Technologist completes these functions in the support of the manufacture of dairy-related products.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical support to dairy plant operations, ensuring optimal production processes and consistent product performance.
2. Support the development and implementation of standardized processes and SOPs that enhance efficiency and product quality.
3. Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to evaluate and introduce new processing technologies or equipment upgrades.
4. Participate in and support root cause investigations and corrective action plans related to food safety or quality deviations.
5. Support sanitation practices, allergen controls, and traceability programs to prevent cross-contamination or safety risks.
6. Act as a resource for operations and quality assurance with regulatory and certification bodies during audits and inspections.
7. Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and operations teams to scale up and commercialize new dairy products, ensuring manufacturability and food safety.
8. Analyze process data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive successful commercialization of new products and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives.
9. Provide support for R&D plant trials and facilitate the successful transition of new products to commercial-scale production.
10. Participate and support the evaluation of ingredients, formulations, and processing parameters for impact on product quality, shelf life, and safety.
11. Act as a key liaison between QA, R&D, operations, and supply chain teams.
12. Lead troubleshooting teams to resolve complex production or safety issues, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal product output.
13. Responsible for achieving assigned goals in safety, quality, performance, and cost.
14. Responsible for complying with GMPs, SOPs, corporate and/or plant policies, rules, and regulations.
15. Works in a safe manner reports safety concerns promptly to their leadership team and takes corrective actions as necessary to ensure a safe environment.
16. Demonstrates strong communication skills across various departments, ensuring clear and effective collaboration.
17. All other duties assigned by leadership.

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

1. Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts such as adding, counting, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and knowledge of weights and measures, to sufficiently handle job tasks.
2. Familiarity with office management procedures and general knowledge of office equipment and troubleshooting.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.)
4. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities as well as attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
5. Proven capability to work both independently and collaboratively, showcasing strong communication and teamwork skills.
6. Understand and respond appropriately to basic to complex employee, vendor, and customer inquiries.
7. Read, write, and communicate using English language sufficient to perform job functions (Other preferences will be given for special language skills when there is a business need).
8. Knowledge of the company's mission, purpose, goals, and your role in achieving each of them.
9. Satisfactorily complete all company training requirements.
10. Ability to interpret company documents and literature.
11. All other duties as assigned by leadership.

Education/Experience:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
2. Minimum 7–10 years of experience in dairy or food manufacturing, with increasing responsibility in operations, quality, or technical roles.
3. Strong understanding of dairy processing technologies (e.g., pasteurization, separation, fermentation, homogenization).
4. In-depth knowledge of food safety systems, regulatory standards, and quality frameworks (e.g., FDA, USDA, GFSI schemes).
5. Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing technical projects.
6. Demonstrated success in troubleshooting complex issues and implementing practical solutions.

Performance Standards:

1. Responsible for reporting to work at scheduled times and communicating tardiness and absences with the assigned Supervisor/Manager after the occurrence.
2. Responsible for reporting to work in a condition to work.
3. Responsible for being well-groomed and always dressed in business- and position-appropriate attire including ensuring compliance with GMP dress code standards.
4. Comply with performance criteria, and standards of conduct as contained in company policy, employment procedures, and responsibilities as described in the company handbook.
5. Demonstrates a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
6. Always maintain a safe work environment and immediately report and take appropriate action to correct safety/food safety concerns.
7. Responsible for completing all assigned tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Work Schedule:

1. Requires morning and afternoon availability with flexibility outside of normal business hours based on company needs.
2. Requests to be scheduled off for a specific day require advance notification and approval by the Supervisor/Manager.
3. Salaried: Generally scheduled for 40-45 hours; more hours may be required based on the needs of the business.

Environmental Concerns:

1. May be subject to exposure to ingredients used in the manufacture of food products including allergens.
2. May be subject to exposure to chemicals involved in the manufacture and sanitation of a food processing facility.
3. Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
4. Support company sustainability initiatives and policies.

Physical Job Requirements:

1. Ability to sit/stand for extended periods.
2. Occasional lifting of office supplies and equipment (up to 20 pounds.)
3. Frequent use of computers and other office equipment.
4. Ability to move around the office to perform various tasks.

Work Location: (Multi-Site Support)

• Syracuse, NY
• East Syracuse, NY
• Cortland, NY
• Lafayette, NY

The wage range for this role considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Byrne, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $88,000 to $116,500.