Position Location: Negotiable split between western Michigan MSUE office and MSU Product Center Food-Ag-Bio Venture Development office, Michigan State University, East Lansing

Date Available: Immediately

Position Description:
Develop and grow an effective program of consultation services in processing and technical operations management for food and agricultural processors in the state of Michigan. This program will focus on assisting processors (new and existing) to establish and expand their processing operations, solve technical and operational problems, and address processing aspects of new product development. As part of the program, the successful candidate will:

* Deliver one-on-one counseling with food and agricultural processing clients of the MSU Product Center. Such counseling could include consultation on process design, operations and problem-solving, product development related processing issues, packaging, food safety, process authority, HAACP, regulatory compliance and other critical processing needs of clients.
* Coach and assist a network of 15 MSUE innovation counselors located throughout Michigan in developing and delivering processing management counseling services.
* Maintain and expand a network of contacts and resource providers both within MSU and with industry experts beyond MSU to assist the growth of food and agricultural processing in the state.
* Actively participate with the Community Food Systems work group within the MSUE Greening Michigan Institute
* Serve as a liaison with the growing network of incubator kitchens around the state.

The position reports to the Associate Director of the Product Center who is responsible for venture development related counseling with input from the Director of the MSUE Greening Michigan Institute.

Percent of Time: Annual year (100 percent appointment)

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Qualifications:
Master's degree in scientific or business field related to processing and operations management, or equivalent work experience. A minimum of 5-years' experience (10 years or more preferred) with food and/or agricultural processing and operations management. Working knowledge of process design, operations and problem-solving, product development related processing issues, packaging, food safety, process authority, HAACP, regulatory compliance and other critical processing procedures. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.

Apply at www.jobs.msu.edu posting #9462.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

Apply at www.jobs.msu.edu posting #9462.