FBIC Pilot Plant Operations Manager

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Facilities Management, Level B

Job Title
FBIC Pilot Plant Operations Manager

Department
Food and Beverage Innovation Centre | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Compensation Range
$6,068.92 - $8,724.25 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date
February 12, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Feb 28, 2026

Please include cover letter. This is a 2-year term position with the possibility of an extension.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellent in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The BC Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) at the Faculty of Land & Food Systems the University of British Columbia offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and development in the food and beverage industry, where R&D and leasing of the facilities will be based on a shared use facility model of the BC Food Hub Network.

The under-construction FBIC shall extend the Faculty’s current 3000 sqft Food Processing pilot plant facilities into a new 8250 sqft facility equipped with small industrial scale R&D equipment (~50 kg/hr of processing capacity for high pressure processing, microwave-vacuum dehydration, individual quick freezing, spray drying, supercritical fluid extraction, and industrial fermentation), pre-processing equipment, packaging equipment, freezer/cooler spaces, and 3 product development innovation bays. The current food processing pilot plant contains a series of lab-scale or pilot scale (0-10 kg/hr) processing (reciprocating and rotary agitation retort, HTST/UHT pasteurizer, microwave-vacuum dryer, spray dryer, freeze dryer, high pressure homogenizer, ultrasonicator, microfluidizer, cold plasma, pulsed UV light, and other minor table-top equipment), food thermophysical analysis equipment and other core facilities in the Food Nutrition and Health building.

The Pilot Plant Operations Manager will be responsible for managing building services and operations for our multi-purpose facilities (including research, teaching, administrative, recreational, and/or event venues) as well as adjacent landscape and grounds; supervising, assigning and advising technical staff; developing and implementing policies, procedures and protocols appropriate to property management, facility functions and physical resource maintenance; and participating in the preparation and maintenance of budgets.

Organizational Status

Reports to the FBIC Director and works closely with the FBIC team, the LFS Operations team and other outside professionals/consultants. Works closely with researchers and industry partners by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge. Works closely with the Vancouver Coastal Health and relevant other regulatory authorities to enable required approvals for food production for consumption by public.

Work Performed

• Collaborates with senior management FBIC team to establish the center's operational/research goals and strategic directions, aligning with industry trends and academic objectives.

• Manages and oversees the operation, maintenance, and optimization of the pilot plant facilities in the FBIC (8250 sqft) and FNH building (3000 sqft). Ensuring that all activities adhere to safety protocols, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Ensures that all processing equipment are operational, serviced and in good operating condition at all times, while attempting all measures to reduce down times.

• Facilitates invoicing and industrial fee-for-services, procurements, deliveries, logistics, service schedules, access, personnel schedules, and other activities related to the smooth operation and administration of industry or university-based work.

• Supervises the movement/transportation and installation of sensitive instruments and equipment, identifying appropriate locations and determining any potential problems/incompatibilities with both facilities.

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of food and beverage production processes, equipment functionality, and troubleshooting. Applying technical expertise to address challenges and optimize processes.

• Contributes to the development of novel food and beverage products, processes, and technologies.  Assists with cross-functional teams to bring innovative concepts to fruition.

• Collects, analyzes and interprets data related to pilot plant operations, providing insights and recommendations to enhance research outcomes.

• Maintains an inventory of the equipment and supplies, with additional responsibilities of ordering, receiving and shipping materials in and out of the lab. This may require obtaining a Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) license.

• Acts as a key member of the local FNH Local Safety Team including First Aid Attendant responsibilities; organizing fire drills, conducts laboratory inspections and accident investigations, reviews CAIRS reports, maintains/updates the Health & Safety/Lab Procedures guide in the LFS Website with current contact information, new policy and procedure guidelines.
• Supervises and mentors the pilot plant operations team, providing guidance, training while fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. 
• Stays updated on regulatory and compliance requirements related to research partnerships and technology transfer in the food and beverage industry.
• Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Able to work independently, makes decisions for optimal operations of FBIC and related facilities. Safety issues related to the use of equipment and handling of materials must be adhered to avoid serious injuries. Errors or poor judgment could result in instrument shutdown / downtime, loss of samples (often valuable and unique) and damage to instrumentation. Lack of oversight and supervision of activities within the FBIC could result in safety compliance issues, equipment failures and loss of external revenue. Poor supervision or training of users and staff would compromise research projects, industry relationships, the integrity of the instruments, and the reputation of the Centre, the Faculty, and the University.

Supervision Received

Reports to the FBIC Director and works closely with the LFS Operations Team and other outside professionals/consultants.  Works independently exercising his/her initiative but under established guidelines and policies, receiving directives on matters deviating from normal policy.

Supervision Given

Supervise the FBIC pilot plant operations team including staff, internal/external users and oversees maintenance of infrastructure.  Assigns and directs work, advises on technical Problems and reviews work for technical accuracy and adequacy.

Minimum Qualifications

Journeyperson certification in an appropriate trade. Minimum of 3 years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• University degree in Science, Engineering or another relevant discipline.
• Minimum of ten years of food pilot plant operations experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience with Food manufacturing equipment set up, moving procedures and maintenance.
• Project planning and coordination experience is an asset.
• Sound knowledge of a food processing facility’s equipment and specifically food science equipment available at UBC-FNH and its operation as well as food science laboratory methods. 
• Strong knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) for both analytical labs and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for FBIC/Pilot Plant activities.
• Should have understanding of HACCP food plans.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills on research and equipment issues with the ability to adapt and modify equipment as needed, disassemble and repair.
• Knowledge of UBC policies and procedures, Building Operations, and Health, Safety and Environment is an asset. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and coordinate the work of others.  
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of personnel with highly varied levels of scientific knowledge and work collaboratively in a team environment
• Effective oral and written communication with the ability to understand and effectively communicate complex scientific issues to the non-expert public, both verbally and in writing. 
• Excellent customer service, able to exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy. 
• Computer experience required at an intermediate level (e.g. MS Office, equipment software, in-house access control software).
• Good physical condition is required as the job necessitates physical activity and mobility.
• May require obtaining a Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) license.
• Ability to work flexible hours (possible weekend work, and/or hours to suit a client’s facility).
• Valid BC Driver’s License.