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CookUnity

Head of Manufacturing Strategy

CookUnity, New York, New York, us, 10261

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CookUnity is expanding beyond delivery to become an innovating marketplace focused on our mission:

empower Chefs to nourish the world . If that mission has you hungry in more ways than one, you’ve found the right job posting. The Role

CookUnity is growing rapidly, 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 manufacturing —a 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. 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

8–12+ years of total experience, including 3–5 years directly leading continuous improvement programs 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. Proven track record of

end-to-end project ownership

in complex, cross-functional environments. Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across departments and executive levels. Experience in

large-scale, structured environments

(Fortune 500, CPG, high-volume manufacturing); startup/high-growth adaptability is a plus. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field; advanced degree preferred. 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. 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 meals, added to your account, monthly Wellness perks: access to a nutritional coach and fitness subsidies to build a healthy lifestyle Excellent opportunity to join a company changing how we eat and how chefs work! 5-year Sabbatical: After 5 years with CookUnity, you get a 4-week paid sabbatical Compensation

Pay Range for this position: $170,000 - $180,000 USD. All final pay rates will be determined by candidate experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data. If you’re interested in this role, please submit your application and we’ll be in touch if there is a fit. Thank you for your time! CookUnity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating a community of inclusion and an environment free from discrimination or harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

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