Senior Manager, R&D, Technical Services & Commercialization

The Role:

As the Senior Manager of R&D, Technical Services & Commercialization, you will lead the R&D technical services and commercialization team focused on scaling up Meati’s novel technology, commissioning new equipment, technical troubleshooting and serve as the lead technical liaison across R&D and manufacturing. This team is responsible for scaling new product development from pilot to commercial systems across internal and external manufacturing facilities. You will drive R&D commissioning strategy, engage with cross-functional teams across operations, marketing, finance, and engineering as well as support continuous improvement and margin management. This role will report to the Senior Director of Innovation and Commercialization and manage a high performing team across multiple disciplines. 

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience and a passion for world class food processing and scale up, possess excellent people management skills, and a sound understanding of operations. You should have an innate curiosity for understanding and solving unique challenges for a first to market product in mycelium-based protein and be able to provide transformational leadership to build a strong team to deliver results. 

You will be able to work independently and be able to creatively adapt to changing timelines and priorities. You will explore evolving technology to apply to the manufacturing process and ensure the best technology selection to deliver cost and performance. Finally, you will be a vital contributor to creating the reality of sustainable, ethical, and delicious foods. 

Responsibilities: 

• Establish direction, group timelines, and goals for both short and long term commissioning, scale-up, and new product commercialization projects  
• Work collaboratively with operations and engineering teams during commissioning and start up of new manufacturing lines
• Partner closely with engineering, quality, innovation, and manufacturing to provide support on design and implementation of new and existing product lines
• Utilize data developed in collaboration with cross functional teams to scale up processes to commercial scale
• Work closely with internal stakeholder in Product Development to ensure line of sight for implementation of new technologies are taken into consideration
• Manage a high performing team of scientists and direct reports of 4-5 people
• Manage multiple concurrent projects
• Plan, prioritize, and complete project and work tasks under limited supervision
• Work with pilot plant and commercial scale equipment
• Design and execute experiments and prepare results for review
• Scout the capabilities to enable faster and more efficient commercialization

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college, university, culinary school or other institute of higher learning with an emphasis in Process Engineering, Food Science, Food Production or a related field. A Masters degree is highly preferred
• 7-10+ years of CPG experience across commercialization, scale-up, innovation and/or margin management
• 3-5+ years of leadership experience managing direct reports, mentoring and motivating high performing teams
• Experience with commissioning and scaling up food manufacturing systems 
• Strong change management skills and an ability to manage projects through influence as well as through contractual arrangements
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible in a fast paced continuously changing environment 
• Must be a creative thinker who can develop new and exciting ways to provide value to our product 
• Communicate effectively and demonstrate a willingness to ask questions before proceeding with uncertainty 
• Strong leadership and proactive attitudes in approaching technical solutions to business and market issues
• Great negotiating skills when working through conflict resolution
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software
• Proficient with JMP, Minitab, or similar statistical software 

Physical & Mental Requirements: 

• Must have the endurance to frequently lift and move 10-50 pounds, stand, sit, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, talk, hear, see, and operate food products in a kitchen & manufacturing environment. Food must be an absolute passion! 
• May travel up to 30% of time. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible Meati Foods representative
• Ready to support and troubleshoot a 24/7 manufacturing schedule

**Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Meati™ we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. **

Compensation:  

The comp for this position is $119,000 - $158,000/annually, which is just one aspect of our total compensation package. In addition to the salary, this position is eligible for a potential annual bonus and equity! Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.