Sound Agriculture
Sr. Manufacturing & Supply Chain Manager
Sound Agriculture, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Sr. Manufacturing & Supply Chain Manager
Join to apply for the Sr. Manufacturing & Supply Chain Manager role at Sound Agriculture.
Why you should join us At Sound Agriculture, we are revolutionizing the way the world grows food. Our innovative technology and solutions empower farmers to maximize nutrient efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and feed the world sustainably. Through a deeper understanding of plant and microbial biology, we leverage the natural power of plants to make agriculture more agile and resilient. If you are passionate about cutting‑edge science, making a real‑world impact, and being part of a team dedicated to transforming agriculture, we want you on our team.
What we're seeking We are seeking an experienced supply chain and manufacturing manager to support the growth of the company to $100M in sales domestically in the US and through expansion into LATAM and Europe. In this role, you will shape the supply/machining strategy for the organization and be accountable for the procurement of raw materials through the delivery of finished goods to our distribution warehouse. The role collaborates with the sales function via the S&OP process to manage timing, inventory and volumes. Ideal candidates have successful experience managing and supporting contract/toll manufacturing in the ag chemical space and report to the Sr. VP, Manufacturing & Supply. Candidates without chemical manufacturing, chemical procurement, and product cost analysis will not be considered.
Compensation Target $135,000 to $160,000 base plus an annual bonus target of 10%. Bonuses are earned based on annual company and individual performance and are prorated based on start date. Sound reserves the ability to adjust the compensation range based on the final candidate's experience, skillset, and geography. In addition to on‑target earnings, we offer above‑average equity grants.
Responsibilities Formulation, Fill and Pack (FF&P) management
Oversee selection and contracting of third‑party manufacturers for domestic (75%) and international (25%) FF&P.
Accountable for the technology transfer and technical support for our formulation processing.
Ensure third‑party facilities meet Sound standards through Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality audits.
Acquire raw materials and packaging in a cost‑efficient, timely manner and establish specifications.
Establish third‑party warehousing to support FF&P activities and store raw materials / packaging.
Accountable for SRM activities supporting FF&P.
Negotiate line time and pricing.
Manage inventory of raw materials and packaging, including disposal of obsolete, expired, and damaged inventory and finished goods.
Primary distribution of finished goods domestically and internationally.
Collaborate with R&D for third‑party development of formulations supporting field trials and commercial sales.
Set criteria for formulation design from an FF&P perspective.
Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) management
Collaborate in the design and development of the supply HSEQ strategy; lead tactical implementation and be accountable for ongoing execution/performance in both AI production and FF&P.
Accountable for the quality management and quality control activities supported by the R&D organization.
Manage and grow the quality activities inline with organizational growth.
Support customer service complaint process.
Active Ingredient (AI) Sourcing For bespoke chemistry
Oversee third‑party process development.
Identify potential suppliers and develop Request for Quote (RFQ) to determine manufacturer.
Accountable for the technology transfer and technical support for AI.
Ensure facilities meet Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality standards.
Monitor supplier performance and delivery.
Primary distribution of AIs to our warehouse.
For commodity chemistry
Identify potential suppliers and develop RFQ to determine supplier.
Manage procurement of molecule.
Targeted Skills & Experience
Significant successful experience in chemical manufacturing/supply chain leadership.
Demonstrated ability to influence peers and partners.
Experience with new product launches with direct accountability for delivery.
Strong critical thinking skills; able to see the big picture, prioritize critical focus areas, and generate strategic options.
Polished communication skills, able to synthesize complex problems into clear concepts for non‑supply chain personnel.
High attention to detail, quickly review complex issues or problems and determine root causes/primary issues to improve outcomes.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills across levels with an ability to persuade and influence.
Demonstrated ability in Supplier Relationship Management with successful third‑party supplier/vendor partnerships.
This role demonstrates our values by
Creativity : Find novel approaches to cost‑effectively deliver products seamlessly to our customers.
Boldness : Support the rapid growth of Sound through timely decision making balancing customer needs and managing Sound's cash and risk. Willing to challenge the organization.
Ownership : Be hands‑on and involved in the detailed work while managing spending as if it were your own money.
Tenacity : Push on outcomes and efforts when conviction is high and don’t shy away from tough conversations or decisions.
What we offer
Opportunity to work in an incredible team with a drive to build alternative solutions to age‑old practices that increase farmer ROI.
Competitive total rewards package including base compensation, performance bonus structure or uncapped commission plan for sales positions, and above‑market equity.
Comprehensive health care plans including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage.
Flex Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter Benefit for US‑based employees).
Health Savings Account with monthly employer contribution (for US‑based employees on qualifying health plans).
401(k) with 3% company match (for US‑based employees).
Flexible time off policy empowering employees to use time how they need, when they need.
Mental health and wellbeing benefits – including dedicated monthly meeting free Focus Days.
Paid parental leave (for US‑based employees).
Regular events and engagement activities (we actually like hanging out with each other!).
Equal Employment Opportunity We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. Sound participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Farming
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Why you should join us At Sound Agriculture, we are revolutionizing the way the world grows food. Our innovative technology and solutions empower farmers to maximize nutrient efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and feed the world sustainably. Through a deeper understanding of plant and microbial biology, we leverage the natural power of plants to make agriculture more agile and resilient. If you are passionate about cutting‑edge science, making a real‑world impact, and being part of a team dedicated to transforming agriculture, we want you on our team.
What we're seeking We are seeking an experienced supply chain and manufacturing manager to support the growth of the company to $100M in sales domestically in the US and through expansion into LATAM and Europe. In this role, you will shape the supply/machining strategy for the organization and be accountable for the procurement of raw materials through the delivery of finished goods to our distribution warehouse. The role collaborates with the sales function via the S&OP process to manage timing, inventory and volumes. Ideal candidates have successful experience managing and supporting contract/toll manufacturing in the ag chemical space and report to the Sr. VP, Manufacturing & Supply. Candidates without chemical manufacturing, chemical procurement, and product cost analysis will not be considered.
Compensation Target $135,000 to $160,000 base plus an annual bonus target of 10%. Bonuses are earned based on annual company and individual performance and are prorated based on start date. Sound reserves the ability to adjust the compensation range based on the final candidate's experience, skillset, and geography. In addition to on‑target earnings, we offer above‑average equity grants.
Responsibilities Formulation, Fill and Pack (FF&P) management
Oversee selection and contracting of third‑party manufacturers for domestic (75%) and international (25%) FF&P.
Accountable for the technology transfer and technical support for our formulation processing.
Ensure third‑party facilities meet Sound standards through Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality audits.
Acquire raw materials and packaging in a cost‑efficient, timely manner and establish specifications.
Establish third‑party warehousing to support FF&P activities and store raw materials / packaging.
Accountable for SRM activities supporting FF&P.
Negotiate line time and pricing.
Manage inventory of raw materials and packaging, including disposal of obsolete, expired, and damaged inventory and finished goods.
Primary distribution of finished goods domestically and internationally.
Collaborate with R&D for third‑party development of formulations supporting field trials and commercial sales.
Set criteria for formulation design from an FF&P perspective.
Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) management
Collaborate in the design and development of the supply HSEQ strategy; lead tactical implementation and be accountable for ongoing execution/performance in both AI production and FF&P.
Accountable for the quality management and quality control activities supported by the R&D organization.
Manage and grow the quality activities inline with organizational growth.
Support customer service complaint process.
Active Ingredient (AI) Sourcing For bespoke chemistry
Oversee third‑party process development.
Identify potential suppliers and develop Request for Quote (RFQ) to determine manufacturer.
Accountable for the technology transfer and technical support for AI.
Ensure facilities meet Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality standards.
Monitor supplier performance and delivery.
Primary distribution of AIs to our warehouse.
For commodity chemistry
Identify potential suppliers and develop RFQ to determine supplier.
Manage procurement of molecule.
Targeted Skills & Experience
Significant successful experience in chemical manufacturing/supply chain leadership.
Demonstrated ability to influence peers and partners.
Experience with new product launches with direct accountability for delivery.
Strong critical thinking skills; able to see the big picture, prioritize critical focus areas, and generate strategic options.
Polished communication skills, able to synthesize complex problems into clear concepts for non‑supply chain personnel.
High attention to detail, quickly review complex issues or problems and determine root causes/primary issues to improve outcomes.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills across levels with an ability to persuade and influence.
Demonstrated ability in Supplier Relationship Management with successful third‑party supplier/vendor partnerships.
This role demonstrates our values by
Creativity : Find novel approaches to cost‑effectively deliver products seamlessly to our customers.
Boldness : Support the rapid growth of Sound through timely decision making balancing customer needs and managing Sound's cash and risk. Willing to challenge the organization.
Ownership : Be hands‑on and involved in the detailed work while managing spending as if it were your own money.
Tenacity : Push on outcomes and efforts when conviction is high and don’t shy away from tough conversations or decisions.
What we offer
Opportunity to work in an incredible team with a drive to build alternative solutions to age‑old practices that increase farmer ROI.
Competitive total rewards package including base compensation, performance bonus structure or uncapped commission plan for sales positions, and above‑market equity.
Comprehensive health care plans including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage.
Flex Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter Benefit for US‑based employees).
Health Savings Account with monthly employer contribution (for US‑based employees on qualifying health plans).
401(k) with 3% company match (for US‑based employees).
Flexible time off policy empowering employees to use time how they need, when they need.
Mental health and wellbeing benefits – including dedicated monthly meeting free Focus Days.
Paid parental leave (for US‑based employees).
Regular events and engagement activities (we actually like hanging out with each other!).
Equal Employment Opportunity We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. Sound participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Farming
#J-18808-Ljbffr