Operations Manager, Consumer Brands

It's a Perfect Day to change the world! At Perfect Day, we're doing just that.Perfect Day was founded in 2014 to create delicious, nutritious dairy products that everyone can love. We’re using fermentation (not animals) to make dairy proteins that are the foundation for foods like ice cream, cheese and yogurt – all with the distinctive taste and textures that consumers demand, but without lactose or environmental downsides. Through partnerships with respected brands, we’re working to launch a whole range of dairy products that will help shape a humane, sustainable food system for future generations. Perfect Day has its ice-cream in more than 5000 national retail stores and close to commercializing various other animal-free dairy protein products and we are seeking an intelligent, motivated, enthusiastic Operations leader to join our Products team. The ideal candidate will be driven and will do what it takes to contribute in a fast paced, startup environment.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead PD food products contract manufacturing network
• Establish performance matrix to track, product quality, customer service, order fulfilment, reduction of costs associated with startups & launches and financial KPIs within the manufacturing network with the goal of continuous improvement in all attributes.
• Manage and report on co-manufacturing/ co-packing financial budgets, yield, operational efficiency, waste, and Cost.
• Lead compliance with all food safety and product quality programs to ensure consistent standards throughout the supply chain.
• Lead regular Quarterly Business Reviews and executive business review and drive supplier performance improvement. Also lead capital plan creation and execution across the co-man/copacker network.
• Collaborates with the GM TUC / Sales PD to be the key liaison between brand, marketing, R&D, Quality, Supply chain & sales team to ensure product supply and quality goals are upheld.
• Play an active role in manufacturing strategy development for the consumer (Online and Retail) & B2B (food service) operations team.
• Serves as an integral member of product core team – comprising of R&D, Marketing, Sales & Operations.
• Create and approve SOPs related to product & process technology transfer.
• Recommend contract manufacturers, on-boards, and operates execution of the product scale up.
• Anticipate potential issues associated with product scale up, material handling & logistics to proactively resolve them while minimizing costs to the organization.
• Identify best in class processes and equipment at contract manufacturing facilities to consistently deliver outstanding consumer experiences, new standout product packaging formats at 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 PD food strategic partners.
• Support the integration activities of anticipated business acquisitions.
• Develop business continuity programs for all manufacturing partners to prevent supply chain disruption.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in food or dairy products manufacturing & commercialization
• Demonstrated strong planning, organizational skills along with financial budgeting and cost control skills.
• Hands on experience with dairy & food manufacturing equipment, capital projects and dealing with 3rd party manufacturers.
• Experience with leading food product scale up through active risk management in an extremely fast paced environment with customer and quality first attitude.
• Ability to negotiate co-manufacturing and co-packing contracts.
• Extremely well connected with vendors, CROs, CMOs & great at forging partnerships.
• Ability to influence strategic partners to drive performance improvement and accountability.
• Ability to multi-task and thrive in a deadline driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders possessing diverse background.
• Conceptual thinker with a passion for innovation and keen ability to spot trends and generate fresh ideas as it pertains to manufacturing, packaging & supply chain optimization.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Science, or Supply Chain preferred
• Demonstrates good EQ awareness and skills and building those skills in direct reports as well.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Would require 50-60% travel. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Position located in a mix of corporate & typical production environment. It's a Perfect Day to change the world. The day when delicious dairy goodness is something everyone can love. The day we say goodbye to the downsides of factory farming. The day we throw a big party with luscious, animal-free milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, all made with Perfect Day! We hope you join us!