Director, Production & Procurement

Chew is a mission-driven food and beverage innovation company founded on the notion that consumers shouldn't have to choose between what tastes great, and what’s good for you.

DELICIOUS. NUTRITIOUS. SUSTAINABLE. PROFITABLE. SCALABLE.

ABOUT US:

We partner with major industry players to deliver truly disruptive and impactful innovation. Leveraging our team’s deep and diverse experience, commitment to agility, creative problem-solving, and detail-driven execution, we break down barriers and provide excellence at every step of the go-to-market process. As a leader in end-to-end food innovation, we create products that are delicious, nutritious, sustainable, profitable, and scalable.

Founded in 2013, our organization is well-established and well-resourced. The innovative nature of our projects and the dynamic priorities of the companies we collaborate with, give our culture the energy and adaptability of a start-up. Individuals that are creative yet pragmatic, team-oriented yet self-motivated, and energized by the chance to develop something groundbreaking multiple times per year, thrive at Chew.

Join us on our mission to democratize good food. Together, we dream big and help create food that will change the world!

ROLE SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Director, Production & Procurement to oversee facility management, establish and optimize food production lines, manage supply chain operations, and maintain efficient inventory systems. As the Director of Production and Procurement, you will work closely with our R&D team to transfer bench formulas and learnings to scale at our FDA-registered pilot plant. We work with a wide variety of industry partners to bring innovative food and beverage products to life, and your role will be integral in enabling scale-up and manufacturing within our facility. This role is critical to ensuring operational excellence, meeting production goals, and supporting a seamless supply chain.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Facility Management

• Oversee the maintenance, safety, and functionality of the production facility.

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for facility operations.

• Manage relationships with vendors and service providers to ensure timely and quality maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.

• Monitor and optimize utility usage to ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Production Line Establishment and Management

• Design and implement efficient production line workflows for food production, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Partner with engineering and production teams to lead installation and maintenance of equipment.

• Continuously improve production processes to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.

• Train and supervise staff on operating procedures and quality assurance protocols.

• Accountable for CQV (Commissioning, Qualification and Verification) of new equipment, formulations, and processes.

• Adherence to relevant Regulatory, Quality and Food Safety standards and protocols.

• Establish and maintain a network of external experts to support product-specific initiatives such as creating and validating unique food safety plans, coordinating outside analytical testing, and continuous facility improvement.

Supply Chain Management

• Develop and manage the end-to-end supply chain strategy, including supplier qualification, ingredient procurement, logistics, and distribution.

• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure cost-effective materials and services.

• Monitor supplier performance to ensure timely delivery and quality of raw materials.

• Optimize logistics processes to reduce lead times and transportation costs.

Inventory Management

• Develop and implement inventory management systems to maintain optimal stock levels.

• Conduct regular audits of inventory to ensure accuracy and minimize waste.

• Forecast material needs based on production schedules and adjust inventory levels accordingly as we move through the production of various food and beverage products.

• Establish protocols for receiving, storing, and issuing materials to production teams.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

• Proven experience (5+ years) in facility management, production line operations, supply chain management, or inventory management, preferably in the food production industry.

• Strong knowledge of food production standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, HACCP).

• Proficiency in supply chain and inventory management software.

• Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

REWARDS & BENEFITS:

• Competitive Base Salary, commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits. In addition to a TalkSpace Subscription.
• 410k + company match
• Education assistance
• Flexible PTO
• Employee Appreciation Programs
• Immense professional growth potential, working on the most innovative developments and products of your career.

Chew is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.