Operations Program Manager

Clara Foods™ is a venture capital-backed company working towards a disruptive advance in food technology by producing animal proteins using fermentation --- without the animal. We join a new generation of entrepreneurs, activists and scientists who recognize that the decades-old factory farm model cannot sustain the dietary needs of 7 billion people and counting - and that technology may hold a solution. 

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Operations Program Manager to join our Operations Team. Candidates who have experience in supply chain, contract manufacturing, and KPI and cost management within the food, beverage, and/or ingredient manufacturing industries are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Manage contract manufacturing activities for Clara Foods' alternative protein products.
• Establish metrics to track product quality, customer service, order fulfilment, and financial KPIs within the manufacturing network, with the goal of continuous improvement along all dimensions.
• Manage and report on co-manufacturing / co-packing financial budgets, yield, operational efficiency, waste, and cost.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and product quality programs to ensure consistent standards throughout the supply chain.
• Recommend contract manufacturers, on-board them, and execute scale up of production.
• Work with Operations and Commercial Teams to develop and monitor the production forecast.
• Anticipate potential issues associated with product scale up, material handling & logistics to proactively resolve those issues while minimizing costs to the organization.
• Identify best in class processes and equipment at contract manufacturing facilities to consistently deliver outstanding consumer experiences within an appropriate cost structure.
• Lead collaborative continuous improvement initiatives with strategic partners from ideation through execution
• Promote a positive and collaborative working environment between all internal departments and contract manufacturing partners.
• Develop business continuity programs for all manufacturing partners to prevent supply chain disruption.

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience in food, beverage, and/or ingredient manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and execution, financial budget creation, and controlling costs.
• Ability to negotiate co-manufacturing and co-packing agreements.
• Demonstrated experience with cross-functional collaboration.
• Demonstrated track record of using data to influence decision-making; excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, STEM, or related fields preferred.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for Clara Foods.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Experience at a high-growth startup in the ingredient, flavor, agricultural, and/or food & beverage industries.
• Previous experience with formal project management methodologies.
• PMP certification.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both in creation and execution.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization and in a variety of cultures – both internal and external.
• Available to travel domestically approximately < 20%.
• Ability to take risks to achieve desired results.
• Ability to adapt and support others through change, ambiguity, and complexity.

What Clara Foods can offer:

• Generous benefits package; 100% medical, dental, and vision employee coverage, 401k matching, and stock options
• Optional benefits; FSA, HSA, Commuter, Pet Care, and additional life insurance
• Flexible PTO
• Weekly Lunches onsite 
• Free parking, unlimited gym access, lounge, mini-golf patio, yoga and fitness classes onsite
• Unlimited supply of sparkling water, granola bars, snacks, local coffee and tea
• Weekly themed happy hours and quarterly company outings
• Monthly all-hands meetings and 1:1 with CEO and leadership
• Close to South San Francisco BART and Cal Train stations, including free shuttle service

How to apply