Production Manager

"Aqua Cultured Foods is disrupting the alt protein space with whole-cut seafood alternatives."

Position Summary

The Production Manager will oversee the day-to-day manufacturing operations including media brewing, inoculation, harvesting, packaging, warehouse and maintenance. This is a high impact position within a fast-paced and growing company.  

Job Responsibilities

• Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) in each phase of pre-production (CIP and COP), media production, fermentation, packaging, and food manufacturing operations
• Ensure proper record-keeping and accurate documentation at all times
• Efficiently schedule and assure all standards and specifications of product mix
• Perform standardized analytical testing which includes but is not limited to: pH dissolved carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen and shelf-life. This includes organizing and tracking analytical data.
• Understanding of operations, with the knowledge/ability to produce batches from start to finish
• Organize, schedule, and keep records of all production runs
• Alert QC when anomalies occur with products
• Adhere to cleaning schedules and procedures
• Train and mentor the production team on all processes and best practices
• Must always be finding new ways to improve consistency, organization, cleanliness, and efficiency, and be able to report these strategies, implement and maintain them
• Assist in development of HACCP plans for the entire facility
• Contribute to a team-oriented, positive, safe and inclusive work environment
• Miscellaneous tasks involved with assisting other departments

Job Requirements

These skills and experiences will be required for the candidate:

• At least 3 years’ experience working in a production environment, operating production equipment and following SOPs
• Attention to detail to achieve high standards of quality
• Self-motivated by problem solving in highly ambiguous situations
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment 
• Experience managing external vendors 

These skills and experiences will be useful or preferred for the candidate:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Brewing/Fermentation Science or equivalent fields. Candidates with a Brewing certification in progress are also encouraged to apply
• Work experience within the alternative protein industry or commercial production brewery
• ServSafe Food Sanitation Manager Certification
• Experience with the following software: Benchling and Google Suite

A typical day for this candidate may include:

• CIP of media production tanks, cleaning and sanitizing fermentation vessels
• Inoculating seed cultures for production and harvesting semi-finished product
• Converting semi-finished product into finished alternative seafood products
• Logging raw materials, semi-finished and finished products inventory in inventory management system software

LOCATION

Selected candidate will work on-site with our team in the Chicago Office. Remote work is not available for this role. 

COMPANY BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare, dental, vision and 401K with company match. 

NEXT STEPS:

To express your interest, please apply with a short cover letter telling us why you’re perfect for this role, along with a resume detailing your experience.

Qualified Applicants will not require employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment in the United States.

At Aqua Cultured Foods, we are committed to building a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workforce. We take being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer seriously and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act), or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

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