Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Operational Excellence Lead to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence initiatives, implementing best practices, and fostering a solutions-oriented culture throughout the organization. The Operational Excellence Lead will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for optimization, streamline processes, and enhance efficiency and effectiveness across all functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement operational excellence strategies, frameworks, and methodologies to improve business processes, enhance productivity, and drive cost savings.
• Lead cross-functional teams in identifying, prioritizing, and executing process improvement projects aligned with business goals and objectives.
• Conduct thorough process analyses, root cause analyses, and performance assessments to identify areas for improvement and develop actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to gain buy-in and support for operational excellence initiatives.
• Provide coaching, training, and guidance to team members on operational excellence principles, tools, and techniques.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of operational excellence initiatives and track progress over time.
• Monitor and evaluate process performance and operational metrics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for further improvement.
• Drive a culture of improvement, innovation, and excellence across the organization through effective communication, engagement, and recognition programs.
• Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to operational excellence and process improvement.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 2 or 4 year degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, lean six sigma, or related roles, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing operational excellence initiatives, delivering measurable results, and driving continuous improvement in complex organizational environments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform root cause analyses, process mapping, data analysis, and performance assessments.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with the capacity to inspire, motivate, and influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts and ideas to diverse audiences.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt) preferred.

• Proficiency in process improvement tools and methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, PDCA, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S).

  **Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Meati™ we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.**

Compensation:
The base salary range for this role is $115,000 - $152,000 annually, which is just one aspect of our total compensation package. In addition to the salary, this position is eligible for a potential annual bonus and equity! Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance at no cost to the employee (for employee-only coverage)
• 401K with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Floating Holidays
• Monthly reimbursements for personal health and wellness expenses
• Mental health programs at no cost
• Parental Leave, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability coverage, and AD&D

Equal Employment Opportunity: Eat Meati™ is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Eat Meati™

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Eat Meati™ is on a mission to build Good Energy™ from the ground up. We work closely with Mother Nature to cultivate the complete protein she intended — one that’s been the root of our living world for millennia. We’re connecting and empowering eaters everywhere to evolve energetically. We believe food should be simple, clean, and of course, delicious, which is why grow and nourish our mushroom root to create nutrient-rich, whole food protein everyone can enjoy. Get to know more about Meati™ at meati.com.

Our team is passionate about making the world a better place through good health and wellness, positive climate impact, and equitable access to nutrition around the world. This passion translates into the culture of our office, making Eat Meati™ a lively, enjoyable, innovative, and inclusive place to work. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Meati™ team and the growing plant-based meat category..