We’ve studied and become inspired by mycelium. We’ve learned there’s a lot you can do with it—from textiles to building materials to packaging alternatives, even to food! Really tasty food. Guided by the wisdom of the woods, MyForest Foods is harvesting this new approach to meatless food—one that can sustain AND satisfy all types of eaters. Our mycelium is grown—not ground, so it actually feels like you’re biting into a whole cut of meat.
Have you heard of Mycelium?
It’s the root structure of mushrooms, growing juuuuust beneath the forest floor.
We believe mycelium is the forests’ best-kept secret. With a naturally savory umami flavor and a wonderfully meaty texture, mycelium is a delicious, naturally sustainable option for people seeking a meat alternative. At MyForest Foods, we grow this gourmet mushroom mycelium inside our vertical farm in big, WHOLE pieces that can be sliced up just like traditional cuts of meat. Our first product, MyBacon is winning the hearts of vegans and carnivores alike—and we're just getting started!
Intrigued? If you’re a motivated, inspired, passionate foodie with a drive to revolutionize the future of food, we should definitely talk.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Co-Manufacturing Consultant, Food Production who will play a critical role in identifying potential co-manufacturers for the further processing of our MyBacon product. Additionally, you will be responsible for establishing the relationship with selected co-manufacturers, ensuring efficient production scheduling, and developing a seamless production process from Farm1 to finished packaging. This role could be a consultant or MyForest Foods may be open to a temporary full-time employee for project work.
Bring your Food Production experience and Manufacturing Partnerships to the table to help us make more MyBacon!!!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Co-Manufacturer Identification:
- Collaborate with your food manufacturing contacts externally and internally with our cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and procurement, to determine the specific requirements and criteria for selecting co-manufacturers
- Identify potential co-manufacturers capable of handling the further processing of MyBacon, including flavoring, drying, primary packaging, pasteurization, and finished packaging
- Evaluate potential co-manufacturers based on their capabilities, production capacity, quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with our company's values and sustainability goals
Relationship Management:
- Initiate and develop strong partnerships with selected co-manufacturers, fostering effective communication, collaboration, and mutual trust
- Partnering with MFF Legal team negotiate agreements, and terms with co-manufacturers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Assess the performance of co-manufacturers, monitor quality control measures, and address any production or operational issues that may arise
- Maintain open lines of communication with co-manufacturers, ensuring timely updates on production status, changes in specifications, and any other relevant information
Production Scheduling and Coordination:
- Collaborate with co-manufacturers to establish efficient production schedules that align with our demand forecasts, marketing strategies, and retail distribution plans
- Monitor and track production progress at co-manufacturer facilities, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon timelines and quality standards
- Proactively identify and address any production bottlenecks or capacity constraints, working closely with co-manufacturers to find timely solutions and maintain a smooth production flow
- Coordinate with internal teams, including supply chain, logistics, and sales, to align production schedules with inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer requirements
Continuous Improvement:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives with co-manufacturers, seeking opportunities to optimize production processes, reduce costs, improve product quality, and enhance overall efficiency
- Collaborate with co-manufacturers to implement best practices, share knowledge, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence
- Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes related to co-manufacturing, sharing relevant insights and recommendations with internal stakeholders
Qualifications and Skills:
- Proven experience in co-manufacturing management or related roles within the food industry
- In-depth knowledge of food production processes, quality control systems, and regulatory compliance
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with co-manufacturers and internal stakeholders
- Negotiation and contract management expertise, with a focus on achieving win-win outcomes
- Flexibility to travel as needed to visit co-manufacturer facilities and attend meetings
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Food Science, Business Administration, or Supply Chain Management. Advanced degree is a plus
The pay range for this role is based on the candidates' skills and experience.
If you’re inspired by the potential of mycelium and the promise of a well-fed future, join us! Our team is always seeking passionate problem-solvers and forward-thinking foodies.
As a part of this bold and quirky band of fun-loving world-changers, you can expect...
- A diverse and welcoming work environment
- A fresh company culture (full of opportunities for involvement!)
- Team-bonding retreats & community-based events
- Immediate benefits (medical and dental coverage starts on day 1!)
- Multiple voluntary benefit options; access to tele-med, pet insurance, 401k