Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Team Leader - Food Pilot Plant.

TEAM LEADER – FOOD PILOT PLANT (SALARY $6,333,301 p.a. + 25% Gratuity based on performance)

The Team Leader – Food Pilot Plant is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and coordinating all Pilot Plant operations and service offerings, including training, workshops, technical consultancy, process development, and scale-up research.

Summary of the Post

The Team Leader is expected to ensure that all operations conform to the Council’s ISO 9001:2017 Quality Management System, NEPA and other regulatory standards, while fostering continuous improvement, staff development and stakeholder trust.

ROLE

The incumbent provides technical leadership to staff and clients, ensuring efficient production, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high-quality food processing services. The role requires strong operational competence, process management, team oversight, and a commitment to maintaining safety, quality, and operational excellence in the Pilot Plant environment.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Technology or related area
• Diploma in Business Administration.
• Proficiency in software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Training in Project Management and Project Proposal/Writing.

EXPERIENCE

• Five (5) years’ experience in process engineering and/or food processing in a manufacturing or research and development organization, of which three (3) years should be at a supervisory level.
• Possess a Food Handlers Permit.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND SPECIALISED TECHNIQUES

• Good research and technical writing skills.
• Good understanding of food processing principles.
• Excellent communication and people management skills.
• Strong team orientation.
• Effective conflict resolution and negotiating skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead annual operational planning for the Pilot Plant, ensuring alignment with divisional and Council strategic objectives.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to assess operational efficiency, productivity, and service delivery performance.
• Coordinate and execute consultancy services at client sites (e.g. retort inspections, scheduled processes, process reviews) to support industry standards and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare, review, and validate technical reports for client assignments, research activities, and special projects to ensure accuracy, clarity, and technical robustness.
• Plan, organize and coordinate internal training programmes to ensure staff maintain strong technical competence and remain current with industry best practices.
• Ensure full team adherence to all Quality Management System (QMS) requirements, including established policies, procedures, and continuous improvement practices.
• Enforce strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring consistent sanitation, safety and product quality.
• Meet with clients to assess needs, confirm expectations, and ensure high levels of satisfaction with Pilot Plant services.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 to
DIVISIONAL MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH COUNCIL
HOPE GARDENS COMPLEX, KINGSTON 6
hradmin@src.gov.jm

N.B. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.
We thank all applicants who apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.