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Food Startup Jobsexternal in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

Thorough understanding of the food industry, process systems, & plant operations. * Familiarity of startup and commissioning processes and procedures for process systems. * Excellent analytical ...

Thorough understanding of the food industry, process systems, & plant operations. * Familiarity of startup and commissioning processes and procedures for process systems. * Excellent analytical ...

CTO

Tampa, FL · Remote

Tampa, FL (Preferred) / Remote Our client is a Seed-Found startup in Tampa, Florida. This is an ... to dog food their own service and then externalize that to other Commercial Real Estate companies.

Field Marketing

Orlando, FL · On-site

$39K - $48K/yr

Visit local breweries, food trucks, restaurants, events, and other community businesses * Introduce ... Participants can gain practical experience in startup marketing, customer discovery, product ...

CTO

Tampa, FL · On-site

Tampa, FL (Preferred) / Remote Our client is a Seed-Found startup in Tampa, Florida. This is an ... to dog food their own service and then externalize that to other Commercial Real Estate companies.

Senior Process Controls Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Thorough understanding of the food industry, process systems, & plant operations. * Familiarity of startup and commissioning processes and procedures for process systems. * Excellent analytical ...

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Food Startup information

What is a food startup?

A food startup is a new and innovative company focused on creating, producing, or distributing food and beverage products or services. These startups often seek to solve challenges in the food industry, such as sustainability, health, convenience, or technology integration. Food startups can range from those developing plant-based alternatives, meal delivery services, food tech platforms, or unique packaged goods. They often leverage new trends and consumer demands to disrupt traditional food markets. Starting a food startup typically involves product development, market research, regulatory compliance, and building a strong brand.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a food startup?

To thrive in a Food Startup, you need a strong grasp of food safety regulations, product development, and basic business management, often supported by experience in the food industry or a related degree. Familiarity with tools like inventory management software, point-of-sale systems, and certifications such as ServSafe is highly beneficial. Creativity, resilience, and strong networking abilities set standout founders and team members apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a food startup, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in a food startup often involves fast-paced environments with shifting priorities, limited resources, and multitasking across various roles. You may face challenges like adapting to rapid changes in product direction, tight deadlines, or meeting strict food safety regulations. Being flexible, open to learning, and proactive in problem-solving will help you thrive. Collaborating closely with a small, passionate team is common, so strong communication skills are essential for success.

What is the difference between Food Startup vs Food Product Developer?

AspectFood StartupFood Product Developer
CredentialsVaries; often includes culinary, business, or food science backgroundTypically requires food science, culinary, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentStartups, small teams, flexible settingsCorporate or R&D labs, product development facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood industry startups, entrepreneursFood companies, manufacturing, R&D departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food startups focus on launching new food businesses, often involving entrepreneurship and innovation. Food product developers work on creating, testing, and refining food products within established companies or startups. While both roles require food science knowledge, startups emphasize business development and agility, whereas product developers focus on technical product creation.

What are popular job titles related to Food Startup jobs in Florida?

For Food Startup jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Startup jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Startup jobs in Florida are:

Infographic showing various Food Startup job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Senior Operational Startup and Product Development Leader

Tropicana Brands Group

Bradenton, FL • On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Tropicana Brands Group rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Senior Operational Startup and Product Development Leader

Job Category: Supply Chain

Requisition Number: SENIO004389

  • Full-Time
Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Fresh-Squeezed Legacy, Bold New Chapter

Tropicana Brands Group is a $3B startup aiming to revolutionize the beverage category. Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our portfolio includes iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With over 76 years of global leadership in the orange juice category, we’re committed to preserving this legacy while driving innovation in other areas. From reimagining orange juice to creating functional smoothies and driving afternoon refreshments, we are striving to become the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages.

The Supply Chain function is essential to Tropicana Brand Group’s success by enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products. By improving warehouse operations, optimizing transportation routes, and refining inventory management practices, the team plays a critical role in streamlining processes. Collaborating with other departments to align strategies, the Supply Chain team ensures that Tropicana meets customer demands while maintaining a high standard of performance and cost-effectiveness. Through their efforts, they contribute to both short-term achievements and long-term growth.

Your Next Pour: The Opportunity

We are looking to add a Operational Startup and Product Development Supervisor to our team. This role will be responsible for being primary liaison between Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and R&D to ensure the successful installation, startup, qualification, and long-term operational success of new manufacturing equipment and processes. Additional responsibilities include:

  • This role provides leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from equipment design review and factory acceptance testing through commissioning, startup, operational handoff, capability development, and continuous improvement.
  • The supervisor is responsible for ensuring operational readiness, safety compliance, quality standards, preventive maintenance development, workforce capability, and support line owners to sustain performance following implementation.
  • The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader with expertise in manufacturing systems, startup management, operational excellence principles, change management, and cross-functional collaboration.

The Perfect Blend: Experience

New Equipment Installation & Startup Leadership (Early Management)

  • Serve as the primary operations representative for capital projects involving new manufacturing equipment, production lines, and process technologies.
  • Partner with Engineering throughout equipment design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and startup activities (including Early Management Workbook).
  • Ensure operational requirements are incorporated into equipment specifications, layouts, ergonomics, safety systems, and process designs.
  • Participate in FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), SAT (Site Acceptance Testing), commissioning activities, and startup validation.
  • Coordinate startup plans and operational readiness activities to support successful project execution (safety, quality, reliability, and productivity)
  • Monitor startup performance and coordinate corrective actions to address operational issues and improve equipment effectiveness.
  • Establish equipment centerlines, operating standards, startup checklists, and process controls.

Safety Leadership

  • Ensure all new equipment installations comply with company safety standards, regulatory requirements, and risk mitigation practices.
  • Lead operational safety assessments, startup safety reviews, and hazard identification activities.
  • Participate in risk assessments, machine guarding reviews, lockout/tagout validation, and operator safety evaluations.

Food Safety Quality Leadership (FSQ)

  • Partner with Quality teams to ensure equipment and processes meet all product quality requirements.
  • Support validation activities, process capability studies, and startup quality verification.
  • Establish process controls and operational standards to maintain product consistency.
  • Investigate startup quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Drive adherence to GMP, sanitation, food safety, and regulatory requirements as applicable.

Preventive Maintenance & Reliability Development (PM)

  • Partner with Maintenance and Reliability teams to develop preventive maintenance strategies for newly installed equipment.
  • Ensure PM procedures, spare parts inventories, lubrication plans, and maintenance documentation are established prior to operational handoff.
  • Support maintenance training and equipment knowledge transfer.
  • Assist in developing predictive and preventive maintenance programs to support long‑term asset performance.

Operations Capability & Workforce Development

  • Lead change management activities associated with new technologies and manufacturing processes in coordination with Line Owners.
  • Ensure successful transition from startup phase to routine operations.
  • Provide coaching and technical support to operators, supervisors, and support teams.
  • Ensure manufacturing readiness for new product launches.
  • Partner with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to support new product introductions initiatives.
  • Lead change management activities for new products in coordination with Line Owners.
  • Establish equipment centerlines, operating standards, startup checklists, and process controls.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
  • 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in a production, engineering, maintenance, startup, or operational excellence environment.
  • Experience leading equipment installations, commissioning, startup activities, or capital projects.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, safety systems, quality systems, and reliability principles.
  • Experience working in cross-functional environments with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D teams.
  • Strong problem‑solving, project management, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing performance reporting systems.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future
  • Must be located in Bradenton, FL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment
  • Willingness to be onsite daily in the Tropicana manufacturing plant in Bradenton, FL.

Preferred

  • Food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, or other high‑volume manufacturing experience.
  • TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence experience.
  • Knowledge of Early Management methodologies.
  • Experience supporting new product development and commercialization projects.
  • Experience with reliability‑centered maintenance and preventive maintenance program development.
  • Six Sigma, Lean, TPM, or Project Management certifications.

Perks That Pack a Punch

BG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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