Pilot Plant Site Head

about 3 years ago
Full time role
San Francisco, CA, US... more
San Francisco, CA, US... more

Company

Memphis Meats creates real, edible meat products from stem cells instead of living animals. At Memphis Meats, our mission is to ...

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Job Description

About us

At the forefront of farming and food, UPSIDE Foods is innovating new ways to produce real meat, without the need to breed, feed and slaughter animals. Our process begins with an animal cell, which is cultivated and harvested as meat. UPSIDE Foods is a mission-driven company focused on bringing to meat lovers an authentic product that is truly humane, sustainably produced, nutritious and delicious! We are now expanding our team of dedicated professionals across disciplines to make better meat for a better world.

About this job

The  Pilot Plant Site Head will be responsible for developing and leading a manufacturing organization to meet the goals of the first ever dedicated production facility for cell cultured meat.  This flagship manufacturing site will set the bar for a new industry and the Site Head will instill operational best practices and a management framework to ensure compliance with food safety guidelines and personnel safety while developing a nimble, learning, and continuous improvement culture.  The pilot plant will be a center for technology development and enable demonstration of production technologies that can improve the yields and product features over time of this novel product.   This position will provide key leadership during the commissioning and startup of the facility and will have the opportunity to shape the culture and cadence of this new team.  The Site Head will be expected to provide strategic, technical and operational leadership, directly managing the Production Operations, Warehouse, Facilities, and EH&S staffs, and will partner closely with the Quality and Food Safety teams as well as Process Development teams to ensure successful production in this first of its kind plant.

About you

A demonstrated leader with significant experience in manufacturing operations for either a biotechnology facility or food manufacturing facility that utilizes technical processes.  A collaborative team builder with a learning mindset.  Experience with a plant startup is highly desirable.  You should be prepared to help the team develop and manage a consistent operational cadence, but also the flexibility to adapt and evolve as we continue to learn.  You should be prepared to be the face of the facility, engaging with senior company leadership as well as regulatory agencies, partners, investors, key visitors and media as we engage with the world around this new technology.  You should be passionate about the opportunity to use your experience to shape the future of food production. 

Duties include

  • Ensure the effective operation and organization of the UPSIDE Foods pilot plant for production and consistent delivery of cell-cultured meat.
  • Ensure a safe work environment for all pilot plant operations and compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Lead the coordination of plant startup activities to ensure schedule targets are met.
  • Develop production schedules to meet supply targets and ensure capabilities are in place to deliver.
  • Ensure planning for raw materials, consumables, and operating supplies is maintained within the company ERP system and engage with business operations and procurement to build inventory management business processes. 
  • Oversee the facility and equipment maintenance to ensure it is maintained in an operable and compliant manner and also shows as the company’s flagship facility as intended.
  • Develop and document SOPs, and support training and commissioning of future production facilities.
  • Develop and monitor metrics to track operational performance.
  • Champion innovation to continuously improve our operations, data collection, production efficiency, and total yields.
  • Partner with Commercial Operations, Process Development, MSAT, and Quality Operations, to ensure successful delivery of commercial product targets.
  • Ensure building security and intellectual property are maintained as appropriate to protect the assets of the company.
  • Oversee the operating and capital expense budgets for the production facility.
  • Support regulatory compliance and inspection readiness through engaged routine time on the production floor observing operations (Gemba Walk)
  • Provide personnel career development, coaching, and feedback including performance management discussions with direct reports

Minimum requirements

  • BS, MS, or PhD required in an engineering or scientific discipline with 15+ years of related technical and leadership experience.
  • Experience with manufacturing operations and facilities management in a regulated environment.
  • Demonstrated experience leading through change and building strong teams.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing Principles
  • Experience managing direct reports and third party service vendors.
  • Knowledge of OSHA guidelines, and other federal, state and local regulations.
  • Ability to relate with people at all levels within an organization, including diverse cultures.

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