Vice President of Operations

Seattle, WA, United States

Rebellyous Foods is a growth-stage, plant-based meat start-up working to make our products available and affordable for everyone through the design of novel manufacturing technology.We are seeking a smart, energetic, flexible, and detail-oriented VP of Operations who enjoys making a difference, leading a team, and takes pride in working in a fast-paced, constantly changing, technically challenging manufacturing start-up environment. The VP of Operations will manage production, supply chain, food safety, product development, and logistics, as well as strategically grow these departments to meet internal and external volume growth and cost reduction goals.

Flexibility, hard work, and keen follow through are critical for success for employees in a start-up environment. Frequent after hours and weekend work are required. A commitment to excellence and focus on achieving results is critical.This position is an extraordinary opportunity to join the growth stage of a fast growing, mission-focused start-up working to change the meat processing industry to address climate change and democratize access to climate-friendly foods for everyone. This position reports directly to the CEO.

What we are looking for:

At Rebellyous, we believe in building the change you wish to see in the world , and as such, strong interest in our mission is key to this position. We are a small team of professionals working to make an impact by bringing healthier, climate-friendly foods to kids in public schools, patients and workers in hospitals, the incarcerated and cafeterias across the nation. We believe that everyone should have access to plant-based foods, and neither price nor desire for high quality should be a barrier.Our VP of Operations should be excited to roll up their sleeves, work in-person with the team daily, travel frequently and get stuff done to drive our mission forward with a strong sense of urgency.We value dedication to excellence and impact, and we need a no nonsense, high performing leader ready to navigate complex operational challenges and avoid costly distractions. A joyfully strong work ethic and the ability to inspire the same in others is absolutely required. Executives with big egos and a “desk job” or “general oversight” mentality need not apply. Executives ready to make an impact on a daily basis and foster a dynamic team environment, doing the hard (but fun) work that needs to get done, are highly encouraged to apply, and we can’t wait to meet you!

Position Responsibilities:

Oversee and manage the establishment and operation at new co-manufacturing plants.

Create and drive strategy and direct operations for these departments: Food Science & QA, Warehouse & Logistics, Production, and Supply Chain.

Manage and oversee multiple teams, supporting them in their commitment to excellence and impact on the company mission.

Prepare, track, and fully manage adherence to the Operations Department’s budgets, working closely with the Controller and CEO for approval.

Provide reports on food production, food safety, and facilities activities to company management, external regulators, investors, board, internal team members, and others.

Report on weekly activities to the whole team using reports, visual-aids, etc.

Develop and track KPI’s for managers and employees in each supervised department through mentorship and continued training.

Guide teams efficiently through change management.

Production:

Oversee all aspects of manufacturing (e.g., co-manufacturers) and partnerships with suppliers.

Define strategic direction for the department to support increased volume and cost reduction goals, including optimization of existing processes and incorporation of new production technology.

Manage the implementation of food production operations research and technology (both internal and external) with a team on-site at facilities across the U.S., including managing food and personnel safety.

Work alongside our business development team to review forecasts to plan and execute production.

Define and execute strategy, in collaboration with the Equipment R&D team, to implement growth of new production lines and commissioning of novel production technology.

Establish and maintain KPIs and OKRs to consistently optimize Cost of Goods Sold, and evaluate novel production methods for making plant-based meat.

Manage budget constraints for production operations research and support budget expansions and conservation as necessary.

Strategize implementation and optimization of ERP software upgrades or similar ERP applications used by the company (currently SAP and GoogleSheets).

Product Development and Food Safety / Quality Assurance:

Lead food safety/compliance and certifications (SQF, GMP, HACCP, Child Nutrition (CN) Program, RTE, USDA), and scale up with novel production equipment.

Define and execute food safety strategy for novel equipment development and use in collaboration with the Engineering R&D department.

Lead team in defining food and ingredient quality metrics.

Establish and administer a strong culture of food safety and food defense.

Create holistic and measurable product quality standards and ensure top-notch product quality standards are maintained and exceeded at manufacturing facilities.

Lead product development to improve existing products and create novel products.

Oversee compliance of facility or co-manufacturer food safety and quality control programs.

Supply Chain:

Strategize and oversee implementation, optimization, and upgrades of ERP software(s).

Oversee final decision making on ingredient purchasing, distribution, and other SCM matters.

Define strategic direction to support a robust supply chain on company-wide values and cost reduction goals.

Oversee efforts to scale supply chain operations to support multiple co-manufacturing partners, production research operations, including integrated technological and systems improvements to achieve optimal efficiency and accuracy, including operations and improvements to the company's ERP system(s).

Collaborate with the R&D team to ensure seamless support for R&D technology deployment.

Oversee optimization of ingredient use and cost at co-manufacturing facilities and report KPIs monthly.

Warehouse and Logistics:

Define and execute strategic direction for the department to optimize operations to get ahead of the curve on growth based on company-wide value-driven and cost reduction goals.

Lead change to define and execute freight and delivery strategy in collaboration with Business Development.

Oversee implementation of automation and streamlining of logistics operations.

Oversee cost optimization of freight and lead efforts for distribution consolidation, as applicable.

Qualifications:

At least 8 years experience working in a food processing, manufacturing, warehouse, and/or logistics facility. Additional experience is highly desirable.

Proven track record of success in manufacturing leadership roles, with experience in building new lines and processes, as well as improving existing infrastructures.

Solid experience in food safety and product development required.

Minimum of 5 years of experience directly managing a production and/or supply chain team.

Food and agriculture, engineering, logistics, operations, or business or similar bachelor’s degree required. MBA is highly preferred.

Experience in or knowledge of food industry regulatory and compliance requirements is highly desired.

High level of expertise in working with ERP systems is required. SAP expertise is highly desired.

Exemplary leadership, facility, and people management skills, with a no nonsense approach to excellence and a strong work ethic.A high level of integrity and personal accountability are essential to this position.

Minimum of 1 year of experience in defining and implementing SQF or similar facility-level food safety and quality control program.

Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Food Safety Manager Certification (FSMC) requirements is preferred. Experience as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) is also preferred.

Training in Lean Six Sigma is preferred. Willingness to learn on the job desired.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Flexible and willing to take on any tasks to support team efforts.

“Get to a yes” mentality required, and demonstrated by identifying outside-of-the-box solutions to organizational challenges and ability to move quickly.

Strong project management skills.Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks as needed.

Must operate with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.

Capable of making decisions independently and exercising excellent judgment.

Handles confidential information with discretion and a professional demeanor.

Proficiency in G-Suite applications as well as MS Word and Excel.

Ability to obtain a WA state food worker card to support staff training, as necessary.

Must have or be able to obtain a valid WA State driver’s license.

Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long periods of time, stoop, kneel, and reach regularly. Ability to lift, push, pull up to 35 pounds. Ability to travel by all means of transportation.

Location: This is a fully in-person position, located in Seattle.Must be able to travel regularly to production sites around the U.S. and, in the future, internationally. Applicants seeking to work remotely are not being considered at this time.

How to Apply: Please submit an application package explaining how your experience fits the skills needed in this position.

Compensation Package: The salary range for this position is $140,000-$180,000, plus equity, and depends on years of experience and applicability of experience. Benefits include: 11 paid holidays, 21 days paid vacation, and sick leave according to WA state law. We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as STD/LTD, Life and AD&D policies.

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy: At Rebellyous Foods, we aim to attract the most qualified and creative problem-solvers to the mission of providing sustainable, affordable meat alternatives. In achieving that goal, RF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of our operations. Women, minorities, people of color, and those with non-traditional educational and experiential backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Further, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Discrimination or harassment in any form or based on any of the above factors is prohibited, as is retaliation against a person who has made a complaint or given information regarding possible violations of our policy.

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