Senior Operations Manager

The Role:

As Senior Manager of Operations at Meati, you will be responsible for implementing manufacturing policies and programs that guide our plant in maintaining and improving its competitive position and profitability. This role directly oversees safety, manufacturing, and quality and will work collaboratively across the organization. Successful candidates will direct and coordinate these activities to manufacture products on schedule and within quality standards and cost objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and development to the team and create an engaging environment with clear responsibilities, defined goals and objectives, and visibility to weekly progress reporting.
• Works collaboratively in a matrix organization.
• Partner with sales on demand planning to ensure that the upcoming needs are planned and able to be met and products are shipped on time, accurately, and completely.
• Responsible for keeping up to date on equipment changes, additions, and modifications.
• In partnership with the Senior Director of Manufacturing, is responsible for the annual budget, including capital expenditures, and directs preparation of cost control reports, cost estimates, labor, and facilities requirements forecasts.
• Transform company culture to one of Continuous Improvement and Accountability. Develop, recommend, and support lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
• Formulates and installs standard manufacturing practices based on comparative studies of methods, costs, and production figures.
• Identify and develop process improvement champions to continuously review and improve efficiencies and processes.
• Directs the manufacture of products at the lowest cost consistent with established specifications as to quality and quantity.
• Establishes inventory controls and ensures inventory turn metrics are achieved.
• Responsible for keeping up to date on equipment changes, additions, and modifications that may require a change in scope for the operations team.
• Comply with all applicable OSHA, EPA, local regulatory laws, and company safety policies.
• Ensure all team members comply with all applicable OSHA, EPA, local regulatory laws, and company safety policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in food manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale food manufacturing operations, with a strong focus on production efficiency, quality control, and cost optimization.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA) and experience implementing food safety and sanitation protocols in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively lead and motivate a diverse team to achieve common goals.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a data-driven approach to process improvement and optimization.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems and other manufacturing software for production planning, inventory management, and reporting.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent training in continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in a regulated food manufacturing environment (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and practices in food manufacturing.
• Previous experience implementing automation and technology solutions to improve manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of international food safety and quality standards (e.g., ISO 22000).

**Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Meati™ we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.**

Compensation:
The base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $158,000 annually, which is just one aspect of our total compensation package. In addition to the salary, this position is eligible for a potential annual bonus and equity! Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.