Head of Manufacturing Strategy

About CookUnity

Food has lost its soul to modern convenience. CookUnity was founded in 2018 as a platform connecting consumers with top chefs delivering fresh, ready-to-eat meals that nourish, inspire, and connect people. Today, they deliver 50 million meals a year nationwide and are expanding into a dynamic marketplace to empower chefs.

The Role

CookUnity is rapidly growing with over one million square feet of new facilities coming online. Every 1% optimization in operations translates into significant savings and happier customers. The Head of Manufacturing Strategy is a senior technical individual contributor who will serve as a strategic architect and hands-on change agent. This role integrates various specialist teams, ensuring that manufacturing layouts, processes, and tools function as an integrated system for scale. The position may begin as a consulting or project-based engagement, evolving into a full-time leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Own high-impact, cross-functional projects to optimize workflows.
• Champion continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Scale food manufacturing processes for rapid growth.
• Apply plant-level expertise to ensure world-class operations.
• Leverage data-driven insights to measure improvements.
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term strategy.
• Coach and mentor manufacturing leaders.
• Drive cross-departmental alignment as a change leader.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years’ experience, with 3–5 years in continuous improvement leadership.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Six Sigma preferred.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, or related methodologies.
• Deep expertise in food manufacturing or CPG operations.
• Proven track record in end-to-end project ownership.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with executive influence.
• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Operations, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining quality and safety.
• Scalable systems that support doubling or tripling output.
• Key recommendations driving company-wide manufacturing strategy.
• Timely cross-functional project delivery with measurable results.
• Empowered and aligned manufacturing teams operating at top standards.

Benefits

• Health Insurance coverage.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Stock Options granted on Day 1.
• Bi-annual performance bonus.
• Fully paid family leave and compassionate leave.
• Monthly CookUnity meal credits.
• Wellness perks including nutritional coaching and fitness subsidies.
• Personalized Spanish coaching.
• After 5 years, a 4-week paid sabbatical.

Compensation

Pay Range for this position: $170,000—$180,000 USD, based on candidate experience and market alignment.

Key skills/competency

• Manufacturing
• Strategy
• Lean
• Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement
• Process Optimization
• Operational Excellence
• Food Safety
• Project Management
• Leadership