ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Eligible Team Members may receive

• $$ Competitive BONUS opportunities - up to SIX bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)

• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!

• Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

All POET Team Members enjoy

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• 'Family-first' culture

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

The POET Research Center (PRC) is a unique plant within POET and requires unique leadership.  PRC is the original POET plant and over nearly 40 years has transformed from the original biorefinery to a research center.  Although small in size compared to today’s biorefineries, PRC is large in its contributions to POET.  The plant continues to operate as a biorefinery, but now mainly operates as a key step in POET’s innovation delivery process.   The PRC General Manager manages the overall facility and in addition has responsibility for research conducted onsite.

The PRC General Manager must minimize the cost of operations of the facility while maximizing its technology development efforts.  This takes extraordinary effort to balance profitability with generating valuable research data.  Teamwork is essential, not only within the PRC team but also with other POET companies.  Technology development and commercialization efforts involve all POET companies and projects at PRC are frequently the focal point of collaboration efforts.  This role engages with all levels of the organization regularly and is a key part of the POET Research Leadership Team.

The PRC General Manager also frequently represents POET with external collaborators.  Developing collaborative relationships while focusing on commercialization and project confidentiality is essential.

This is an on-site role located in Scotland, SD. Responsibilities include

• Ensure PRC is operating safely, efficiently, and creating value for POET.
• Communicate business and research priorities clearly at a 24/7 operating bioprocessing facility.
• Play an active role in analyzing new technology, trial data, and enterprise opportunities.
• Be a key member and participant of the POET Research Leadership Team.
• Interface with POET commercial teams including POET Grain, POET Biofuels, and POET Bioproducts.
• Effectively manage the staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training team members.
• Leadership responsibilities include change management, performance management, and career development to effectively execute departmental strategies and support company objectives.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering or science related field with strong technical knowledge.
• Experience managing P&L, financial reporting, legal documents, and negotiations.
• Are a culture champion and who can rally teams to accomplish complex and integrated tasks.
• Have experience professionally developing technical and plant operations team members.
• Have a passion for data analytics.
• Are enthusiastic about research and creating new value.
• Experienced in public policy and community relations.  Excited about speaking to people about POET.
• Proficient with environmental, health, and safety standards and reporting. 

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
• Ability to work in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members. This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.
• Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors. Due to the nature of the work, the areas can be dusty at times.
• Must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers.
• Frequently:
  • Sitting in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plant

• • Walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces

• • Carry to up to 15lbs

• • Climb stairs and/or ladders

• • Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas

• • Reach at arm’s length to gather samples

• • Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrist, and hand positions

• • Use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs

• • Bend while standing

• • Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area

• • Climb in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles

• Occasionally:

• • Lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistance

• • Carry up to 40 lbs, with our without assistance

• • Push with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistance

• • Pull with a force of up to 85lbs, with or without assistance

• • Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch, while holding light and medium-weighted objects
• Due to the physical and safety-sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• In this role, you’ll be asked to drive a POET vehicle. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted during the pre-employment process.
• Up to 20% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, meetings, and site visits. At times, overnight travel may be required.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.