Head of Manufacturing Strategy

CookUnity is growing at an extraordinary pace, with more than one million square feet of new facilities coming online in the next few years. Every 1% optimization in how we design and run our operations translates into millions of dollars saved and happier customers.

We are looking for our first senior technical individual contributor in manufacturinga proven process excellence leader who can bring a unifying, systems-level approach to food production. Today, our specialist teams (culinary, FSQA, procurement, operations, logistics, etc.) each contribute valuable solutions. This role will knit those perspectives together, ensuring that layouts, processes, and tools work as one integrated system built for scale.

This leader will act as both a strategic architect and a hands-on change agent, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across all manufacturing sites. They will also hold ownership of integral recommendations to the CEO and COO on all operations and manufacturing design decisions.

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• Own high-impact, cross-functional projects that improve throughput, reduce costs, and optimize workflows across Culinary, Marketplace, Supply Chain, Fulfillment, and Logistics.
  
• Champion continuous improvement by deploying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and drive productivity gains.
  
• Build and scale food manufacturing processes to support rapid company growth while maintaining uncompromising food safety and regulatory compliance.
  
• Apply plant-level expertise layouts, material flows, drainage/flooring design, utilities, regulatory standards to ensure world-class facility design and operations.
  
• Leverage data-driven insights and Six Sigma methodologies to prioritize and measure improvement initiatives.
  
• Partner with executive leadership to define and execute the long-term manufacturing strategy, including facilities design, automation, process design, and technology enablement.
  
• Develop, coach, and mentor high-performing manufacturing leaders, fostering a culture of safety, quality, ownership, and innovation.
  
• Act as a change leader, influencing cross-departmental alignment and ensuring seamless execution of projects across the broader organization.
  

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• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact on cost, throughput, and quality.
  
• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  
• Experience in large-scale, structured environments (Fortune 500, CPG, high-volume manufacturing); startup/high-growth adaptability is a plus.
  
• 58 years of direct plant ownership experience, running production lines, full departments, or entire plants (depending on size).
  
• Demonstrated ownership of P&L for a plant, department, or business unit at some point in their career.
  
• Clear track record of driving efficiency, throughput, and operational improvements with measurable impact on cost, quality, and productivity.
  
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to balance hands-on operational problem-solving and strategic process design.
  
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Six Sigma (or equivalent process improvement certification) strongly preferred.
  
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, or related continuous improvement methodologies.
  
• Deep expertise in food manufacturing, CPG operations, or highly optimized process industries.
  
• Strong plant management exposure: materials, layouts, utilities, and regulatory compliance.
  

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• Reduction of manufacturing cost per meal while maintaining uncompromising quality and safety.
  
• Scalable systems and processes that enable CookUnity to double or triple output seamlessly.
  
• Integral recommendations to CEO and COO that drive company-wide decisions on manufacturing strategy.
  
• Cross-functional projects delivered on time, within scope, and with clear, measurable business results.
  
• A manufacturing team that is empowered, aligned, and operating at world-class standards.
  

We believe great leadership starts with alignment on vision, values, and ways of working. To give you deeper insight into who we are and what were looking for, we invite you to explore:CookUnity's Leadership Principles The values and behaviors that guide how we operate, collaborate, and scale.

We hope this provides valuable insight into our culture and product vision. If this excites you, wed love to connect!

Health Insurance coverage

401k Plan

We grow, you grow: Stock Options Plan granted on Day 1

Eligible for a bi-annual performance bonus

Unlimited PTO

5- year Sabbatical: After 5 years with CookUnity, you get a 4-week paid sabbatical

Paid Family leave

Compassionate Leave: 3-5 days each time the need arises

A generous amount of CookUnity credits to enjoy our amazing meals, added to your account, monthly

Wellness perks: access to fitness subsidies to build a healthy lifestyle

Personalized Spanish coach

Awesome opportunity to join a company that is looking to change how we eat and how chefs work!