Tech Start Up Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams.  We are currently looking to hire a Start-Up Leader (SUL) based in Mt. Crawford, Virginia! Start Up Leader (SUL) is accountable for leading the successful start up of assigned initiatives in alignment with Global Initiatives Management standards. The role ensures readiness, risk mitigation, and delivery of initiative objectives while supporting zero-loss ambition at the site. This position is responsible for managing the full startup lifecycle from planning and risk assessment to execution and final closeout while improving quality, minimizing downtime, and accelerating productivity. Acting as the primary operations point of contact, the Start-Up Leader (SUL) ensures seamless integration of new processes into plant systems, supports continuous improvement efforts, and enables manufacturing teams to achieve sustainable, high-performance outcomes.Key ResponsibilitiesAs a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position:Insuring project goals are met within 2 months of start upDelivering initiative outcomes that support compelling business needs by improving:Quality-by-designReduction of plant unplanned downtime associated with the initiativeProductivity and speed to deliver resultsOwns the site start up team assigned to the initiativeOwns the Start Up Management, including Daily Direction Setting routines and communication with Operations on progress against tasks, deliverables, and resultsOwns the integration of initiative deliverables into plant standard systemsOwns tracking, reporting, and final close out of:Start Up process performanceOverall initiative deliverablesMaintain the Change Masterplan and Dashboard across the initiative lifecycle – use for launch leaderEnsure system scope, documentation, and start up readinessTrain and qualify teams Start Up Management + and supporting toolsSupport Site Start Up Management+ Standard Work Process health checks and IM Pillar assessmentsProvide support to core operations as neededEnable early manufacturing involvement and align on start up success criteriaCharter and lead the initiative start up team and communication planOwn completion of the GSUM+ Initiative TrackerLead Manufacturing Readiness, Instantaneous Start Up Risk Assessments, and Technology, Transfer and Training plansCoordinate plant level risk mitigation with operations and external partnersOwn staffing, resourcing, and start up supportServe as the single operations point of contact for pre/post start up actions, issue resolution, and cross functional alignmentAll other duties as assignedPhysical Demands While performing duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel; crouch; crawl; taste and/or smell, talk and hear.Ability to bend & stoop at waist level as well as bend & twist neck and head.The employee must regularly endure repetitive minimal to moderate lifting 10lbs up to 50lbs and occasional team lifting above 50lbs. Requires normal range of hearing and vision (including colors) to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports and results.The employee is frequently standing on a concrete surface for 8-, 10- or 12-hour shiftsOccasionally may need to climb stairs, step ladders, stool.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Ability to work up to 12-hour shifts. Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.  The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and may be exposed to loud noises in the plant.  The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and vibrationEngagement in our Integrated Work SystemsEnsure adherence to plant standards and procedures (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE). As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate and own the implementation and deployment of IWS system and its pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.     Compensation & Benefits:The salary range for this position is: $90K - $110K per year.  Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.      The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria: Education & Experience:High school diploma or GED required4-year engineering degree or equivalent preferredOr 3 plus years manufacturing experience with demonstrated technical aptitude and leadershipKnowledge, Skills & Abilities:Analytical and problem-solving skillsFundamental skills in influencing and persuasionStrong interpersonal skills associated with developing trusting relationshipsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to prioritize and multitaskProficiency in Microsoft Office and SAPAbility to work in a fluid environmentAbility to identify problems, draw conclusions, and make recommended solutionsAbility to be self-directed with little supervisionAbility to adjust schedule to support 24/7 Manufacturing Operation, may include working overtime, night shift and/or weekends as needed.Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. You’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world. Our strong portfolio of brands includes: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free,  ST K® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®. With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working to make sure our company creates real value for people and the planet. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here. #LI-NORAM #LI-ONSITE #LI-KP1