Head of Manufacturing Strategy

The Role

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.

This position can start as a consulting or project-based engagement with the potential to evolve into a full-time leadership role offering the opportunity to make an immediate impact while also influencing the future of our manufacturing and operations strategy. Open for candidates based in NY LA or Chicago area.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• 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.

Benefits

• Health Insurance coverage
• Unlimited PTO
• We grow you grow: Stock Options Plan granted on Day 1.
• Eligible for bi-annual performance bonus
• Family leave fully paid
• 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 a nutritional coach and 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!

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