Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech and sustainable materials company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.
We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Program Manager to oversee and coordinate manufacturing processes produced externally for the commercialization of our biomaterial. The ideal candidate will have extensive manufacturing and operations experience, preferably within similar technologies or co-manufacturing environments related to Extrusion and Textile finishing. This role requires a hands-on approach, spending time at partner plants to build trust, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement. Success in this role also requires leadership in coordinating internal resources and managing external manufacturers to ensure specifications are met, with a strong focus on scale-up and reducing the manufacturing footprint.
This position is located in Chicago, IL at our 2075 W 43rd St location.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership: Manage ongoing activities at external manufacturers and associated supply chains, acting as the primary point of contact for production activities. Engage and lead internal resources to resolve issues and improve product performance and cost.
- Production Oversight: Ensure contract manufacturers’ adherence to specifications and written requirements through audits, performance reviews, and collaboration. Work with quality and production teams to ensure mutual understanding and execution of quality programs and production procedures.
- New Product Introduction: Lead the introduction of new products and the establishment and qualification of new external manufacturing partners.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Guide our cross-functional team (quality, regulatory, engineering, and product development) to achieve goals, including timelines, project milestones, and cost targets for product launches.
- Performance Management: Develop and maintain reporting to monitor external manufacturing partners’ performance, driving continuous improvement. Recommend action plans to ensure production stability, inventory targets, and Brand engagement goals and delivery are achieved.
- Budgeting and Planning: Set goals, long-term planning, and KPIs for suppliers aligned with company objectives. Partner with Product Development and Supply Chain teams.
- Collaboration: with internal R&D, engineering, quality, supply chain, finance, Business Development, and operations teams to communicate technical and financial requirements to toll manufacturers as well as meet key customer and brand timelines.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement initiatives to optimize production, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
- Environmental Impact: Lead efforts to minimize the environmental and manufacturing footprint of production processes, working with partners on sustainability improvements.
- Travel up to 50% to external manufacturing sites.
Benefits:
- Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program
- 100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- Generous Parental leave policy
- Opportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industries
- Engaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow Fynders
Commitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
- Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values
EEO Statement:
- We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law
