Operations Manager
Have you heard of Mycelium?
It’s the root structure of mushrooms, growing just beneath the forest floor.
We believe mycelium is the forests’ best-kept secret. With a naturally savory umami flavor and a wonderfully meaty texture, mycelium is a delicious, naturally sustainable option for people seeking a meat alternative. At MyForest Foods, we grow this gourmet mushroom mycelium inside our vertical farm in big, WHOLE pieces that can be sliced up just like traditional cuts of meat. Our first product, MyBacon is winning the hearts of vegans and carnivores alike—and we're just getting started!
Intrigued? If you’re a motivated, inspired, passionate foodie with a drive to revolutionize the future of food, we should definitely talk.
The Role
You will own the production of our Mycelium Foods: the output, the team, and the problems. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast growing multi-shift manufacturing operation. You'll be on the floor daily, working directly with operators and supervisors, and available when issues arise outside normal hours. You’re someone who leads from the front, addresses problems directly, and builds high-performing teams.
Responsibilities
Production Operations
- Develop and execute production strategies aligned with MyForest Foods' objectives
- Own daily production targets and drive accountability for results
- Ensuring quality standards and food safety practices
- Collaborate with R&D, Sales, and other Operations leadership on production planning for forecasted demand
- Continuously implement best practices for handling and processing mycelium-based products
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead Production Supervisors and manufacturing team with clear expectations and direct communication
- Address performance issues promptly and in person—we value direct feedback over lengthy processes
- Build a team of high performers who take ownership and solve problems proactively
- Conduct regular evaluations and move quickly to replace team members who aren't meeting standards
- Develop training programs to build team capabilities and invest in and reward high performers
Continuous Improvement
- Drive process improvements with a lean manufacturing mindset—build from simple to complex, iterate constantly
- Identify bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and optimize flow
- Evaluate automation and technology opportunities to enhance productivity
- We improve by doing, not by designing perfect systems on paper
Quality & Compliance
- Establish and enforce quality control standards for consistent product quality and safety
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and certifications
- Own quality outcomes—it's not someone else's department
What We're Looking For
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Food Science, or related field
- 5+ years of operations management experience in food production or manufacturing
- Proven track record of optimizing manufacturing processes and hitting production targets
- Experience leading and building teams in a multi-shift or 24/7 operation
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles—applied intuitively, not just theoretically
- Hands-on leadership style: you're on the floor, not behind a desk
- Comfortable with direct communication and addressing issues face-to-face
- Availability for a role that extends beyond standard hours when operations require it
The Right Fit:
- You address hard problems directly instead of routing them through processes
- You're charismatic with your team—people work hard for you because you're in it with them
- You make decisions with incomplete information and adjust as you learn
- You understand that in manufacturing, problems don't wait for business hours
- You build things iteratively rather than planning everything upfront
Pay Range: $130,000 - $180,000
If you are interested, please provide a cover letter of interest along with your resume.
MyForest Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
As a part of this bold and quirky band of fun-loving world-changers, you can expect...
- A diverse and welcoming work environment
- A fresh company culture (full of opportunities for involvement!)
- Team-bonding retreats & community-based events
- Immediate benefits (medical, dental, 401k, Employee Assistance Program, PTO starts on day 1!)
- Multiple voluntary benefit options: vision, life, disability, pet insurance, legal support
- Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, holidays, anniversary vacation, volunteer
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