Food Manufacturing Manager

As a Food Manufacturing Manager at UPSIDE Foods, you will oversee daily operations in our USDA-regulated facility, lead the design and implementation of production processes, and partner closely with supply chain teams to ensure efficient workflows. Your role will also involve direct interaction with engineers and equipment manufacturers while focusing on safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement. You'll be pivotal in aligning manufacturing KPIs with company objectives, fostering a collaborative environment to drive success.

Candidates for the Food Manufacturing Manager position at UPSIDE Foods should hold a B.S. in food process engineering, industrial engineering, or related fields. Ideally, you will have over 5 years of experience in high-volume food production within regulatory environments. Proficiency with ERP systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics, is also preferred. Strong organizational and project management skills, along with the ability to influence and drive change, are essential to succeed in this role.

The Food Manufacturing Manager at UPSIDE Foods plays a crucial role in championing a culture of safety and efficiency within the production environment. By drafting and reviewing SOPs, SSOPs, and GMP programs, you’ll ensure that safety protocols are upheld. Your strategic input in process and mechanical reliability improvements seeks to maximize operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the company's mission of producing safe, sustainable products.

UPSIDE Foods stands out as a forward-thinking employer committed to innovative, humane, and sustainable food production. As the world’s first cultivated meat company, we offer unique opportunities for growth and leadership in a rapidly evolving field. Employees enjoy stock options, full healthcare coverage, unlimited PTO, and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that address environmental and public health challenges while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

In your first year as a Food Manufacturing Manager at UPSIDE Foods, you’ll focus on building relationships with USDA officials, collaborating with engineering teams to commission advanced meat processing systems, and developing key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with company objectives. Your initiatives will aim to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency within operations, ensuring that our facility remains a leader in the cultivated meat revolution.

In a food manufacturing environment, prioritizing safety involves regularly reviewing and enforcing safety protocols, conducting training sessions, and maintaining open communication with team members. I believe creating a culture where everyone feels responsible for safety is crucial, along with implementing regular audits and safety drills to identify potential hazards.

My experience with regulatory compliance includes establishing and maintaining adherence to USDA standards throughout the production process. I have developed and reviewed SOPs to ensure compliance in operations, conducted internal audits, and worked closely with external agencies during inspections to troubleshoot any compliance issues.

I use ERP systems to streamline workflows by tracking production schedules, inventory levels, and recipe formulations, which helps in forecasting demand and identifying bottlenecks. I regularly analyze ERP data to improve processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the accurate reporting of performance metrics.

To lead a team effectively, I emphasize clear communication and set achievable goals that align with the company's objectives. I encourage collaboration and inclusivity, where every team member feels valued and can contribute ideas. Regular feedback sessions help in recognizing achievements and addressing challenges as they arise.

Handling conflicts within a team requires open communication and a calm approach. I ensure that all parties feel heard, aiming to understand the root cause of the conflict. Together, we brainstorm solutions, and I facilitate discussions to find common ground, focusing on team cohesion and productivity.

I ensure product quality by implementing strict quality control measures at every stage of the production process. This includes conducting routine product tests, training staff on quality standards, and establishing feedback loops for continuous improvement based on consistent data analysis and feedback.

My approach to process improvements includes conducting thorough data analysis to identify inefficiencies, collaborating with cross-functional teams for innovative solutions, and testing new processes on a small scale before full implementation. I also maintain an open line of communication with team members for their insights and suggestions.

To ensure production targets are met on time, I actively monitor workflows and engage with the team to address any issues immediately. I establish clear timelines for each segment of production, using ERP systems for real-time tracking and allow flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances while keeping the goals in sight.

I have extensive experience in training and mentoring staff by creating structured onboarding programs and ongoing training sessions tailored to individual needs. I believe in fostering a mentoring environment where experienced members guide newer ones, enhancing team capability and promoting a culture of knowledge sharing.

In the event of a major equipment failure during production, my immediate action would be to invoke emergency protocols to ensure safety first. I’d coordinate with the maintenance team to diagnose the problem, communicate effectively with all departments about the potential impact on production timelines, and work on contingency plans to minimize downtime.