Who is Aztalan Bio?
ClonBio Group acquired Wisconsin’s largest ethanol plant in 2022 located in the village of Aztalan, just outside Jefferson, WI. The facility will process 40 million bushels of locally grown feed corn per year, turning that into food-grade corn oil, vegetable protein concentrates and isolates for food applications, aquaculture feeds, renewable natural gas, organic fertilizer, ethanol, and dietary fiber for foods, among other things.
Aztalan’s sister facility, Pannonia Bio in Hungary is one of the most technologically advanced grain biorefineries in the world. Over the next several years, Aztalan will invest hundreds of millions of dollars into a biorefinery transformation every bit as innovative as Pannonia’s but uniquely suited to Wisconsin’s strengths. Aztalan Bio is owned by ClonBio Group who is family-owned and invests in their people for long-term success. We have a dedicated internal team of engineers and scientists from 23 countries and 5 continents, an investment in people that explains why ClonBio’s biorefineries are so technologically advanced.
Position Overview
The Elevator & Co-Products Manager is responsible for overseeing the management of the plant’s grain elevator operations and co-product handling. This includes supervising the loading and unloading process of grain and co-products, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and optimizing the handling of byproducts like distillers grains and other ethanol byproducts. The manager will lead a team of direct reports and collaborate with other departments to maintain a smooth operation.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement logistics strategies to optimize the flow of materials, co-products, and finished goods within the facility.
- Monitor inventory levels of both raw materials and co-products, ensuring accuracy and availability of stock.
- Implement inventory control measures to minimize stock-outs, reduce excess inventory, and maintain optimal stock levels.
- Ensure proper documentation and tracking of inventory using systems such as Compuweigh and BOL systems.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements within the logistics function.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and minimize waste.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards related to transportation, storage, and handling of goods and co-products.
- Oversee the certification and maintenance of all necessary scale and elevator equipment, ensuring all systems meet regulatory and safety standards.
- Manage the allocation and utilization of space, equipment, and resources within the facility.
- Work with facility management to ensure equipment is properly maintained and available for all scheduled operations.
- Handle administrative tasks including scheduling, reporting, and maintaining documentation related to logistics activities.
- Coordinate and capture rail logistics activities to ensure efficient transportation and timely deliveries.
- Oversee the Cumpuweigh system and other relevant tracking systems to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and documentation of shipments, inventory levels, and loadouts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in logistics management, inventory control, or similar role, with a preference for experience in the ethanol or agribusiness industry.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in elevator operations, co-product management, or similar roles within an ethanol or agricultural environment.
- 2+ years of supervisory experience, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage day-to-day operations effectively.
- Strong knowledge of logistics and supply chain principles, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, distribution, and the unique needs of co-product handling in the ethanol industry.
- Familiarity with facility management practices, including equipment maintenance, space utilization, and security within a production environment.
- Proficiency in using logistics management systems, including Compuweigh, BOL systems, and inventory management tools.
- Working knowledge of MS Office.
- Excellent written and verbal skills will be required to communicate with employees and other departments.
- Strong ability to prioritize tasks, focus on key objectives, and distinguish between urgent and important matters to ensure efficient operations and decision-making.
- Ability to work under stress.
- Ability to make decisions.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- This position involves a combination of office and plant environments, with approximately 50% of time spent in each setting.
- In the office, the employee will perform administrative tasks and other office-related duties. In the plant environment, the employee may be exposed to moderate to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, and/or to chemicals used in the process.
- Personal Protective Equipment such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots, flame-resistant clothing, and hearing protection will regularly be required (or may be required).
- Regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.
- The position involves a mix of sedentary tasks, such as sitting at a desk for administrative duties, and standing or walking when in the plant environment.
- This position requires occasional lifting.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Aztalan Bio LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.