Manufacturing Line Leader

We’re on a journey to Grow the Future of Materials. How? By unlocking the unique properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Our patented technology, Fine Mycelium™, unleashes a new class of materials crafted from nature, engineered for performance, and built for a resilient future.

Our impact on future generations steers our innovations today. From our expertise in mycology and materials science to our manufacturing innovations, we’re creating new possibilities for industry. We’re an outstanding team of scientists, engineers, product experts, artists, leaders—and you.

Job Summary:
MycoWorks is seeking a person to fill the role of Production Line Leader. This person will have

24/7 results accountability for a single production area in MycoWorks’ new Reishi™ production facility in Union, SC. This person will lead the production area through its startup to long-term stability. This will be accomplished by driving consistent increases in throughput by leveraging continuous improvement and loss elimination methodologies, all of which is to be built upon a strong foundation of all safety and quality systems.

Critical focus areas for the Production Line Leader will be: implementation of the MycoWay

(MycoWorks’ novel manufacturing work system); coaching and development of direct reports in

the areas of leadership, process understanding, and technical knowledge (Learn-Do-Teach methodology); elimination of their Area’s top chronic production losses to root cause; and fostering a winning culture. The Production Line Leader will be expected to accomplish their work via daily on-the-floor coaching (50-80%). 

 

This role interacts heavily with multiple organizations, including Engineering, EHS, Quality, Supply

Chain, Process Development, and the People team. The role reports to the Operations Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Lead implementation of the MycoWay by leveraging servant leadership principles
• Drive a “Zero Defect” culture, especially in the areas of Safety and Quality
• Create and execute against an annual Master Plan as well as the corresponding 30-60-90 Day Plans
• Execution of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle with a focus on the elimination of the Area’s top chronic losses
• Lead the Daily Direction Setting process for your Area, ensuring the creation and execution of the “plan for the day” that addresses the previous day’s top sporadic losses, while also incorporating actions to address chronic losses and capability gaps
• Perform Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly gap analysis to validate all plans are on track, adjusting when necessary
• Manage progress of the Skill Matrix which assesses the production team’s current capability level against the desired target and highlights the priority improvement areas
• Develop the leadership capabilities of the shift leaders such that your Area is ran consistently

shift-to-shift, day and night

• Manage the performance of your team - set clear goals and expectations, give timely feedback, conduct semi-annual performance reviews, manage the Area’s Rewards & Recognition program
• Execute Root Cause Loss Elimination targeted at your Area’s top losses and ensure they are driven to Zero, coaching your teams on the process along the way
• Assist in rolling out all Daily Management Systems in your Area and leveraging them to drive breakthrough results
• Assist the Engineering department in the validation of all new equipment for this facility’s startup 
• Work with Process Engineering/Process Development groups in validating process changes/ centerlines
• Assist the Quality department with the improvement of test methods that are tied to your Area’s top Quality losses
• Hire new production operators on a timeline that enables you to achieve all of your goals
• Meet your Area’s budget, assessing adherence on a monthly/quarterly/annual basis
• Drives company vision in their work area

 

Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering or Business is preferred
• 2+ years of experience in Manufacturing and/or Manufacturing Leadership
• Experience with having 24/7 results accountability in a high-paced manufacturing environment
• People Management experience of teams > 20 individuals with a proven record of building capability in the organization
• Thorough understanding of TPM methodologies and implementation
• Knowledge of root cause analysis tools and ability to train the broader organization on their proper execution
• Understanding of OSHA standards and how to drive an “Injury Free” workplace
• Ability to execute gap analyses and create focused action plans
• Understanding of autonomous and progressive maintenance systems
• Knowledge of statistical process control
• Experience working in cross functional teams
• Experience with starting up new equipment and/or production lines
• Able to effectively give and receive feedback to individuals at all levels of the organization
• Ability to make business decisions quickly while under pressure
• Ability to operate with incomplete information and implicit instruction
• Demonstrated ability to manage a budget while hitting all other production goals

Physical Demand	Frequency
Stand or Sit (stationary position)	Frequently to Constantly
Walk (move/traverse)	Occasionally to Frequently
Dexterity (use hands/fingers to handle/feel)	Frequently to Constantly
Climb (stairs/ladders) or Balance	Occasionally to Frequently
Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, Crawl	Occasionally to Frequently
Talk/Hear (communicate/convey/discern)	Frequently to Constantly
See (observe/identify/inspect/perceive/assess)	Frequently to Constantly
Lift, Carry, Push, Pull (move/transport/install/remove)	Up to 25 lbs, Occasionally to Frequently / Up to 50 lbs, Seldom to Occasionally
Exposure to Work Environments	Working near loud machinery, Occasionally to Frequently