Operations Project Manager Misfits Market - Walnut Creek, CA, US
Operations Project ManagerMisfits MarketWalnut Creek, CA, USFull-TimeOperationsConsumerCompany Address: 1000 Coopertown Road, Delanco, New Jersey, 08075About Misfits MarketGet organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, and other sustainably sourced groceries delivered to your door for up to 40% less than grocery store prices.Job DescriptionMisfits Market is a mission-driven, high-growth startup dedicated to reducing food waste and making shopping for sustainable, high-quality groceries easier and more affordable. We deliver organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, plant-based proteins, dairy, bakery, wine, and other grocery items to nearly every zip code in 48 states at up to 30 percent off traditional grocery store prices. In 2022, Misfits Market acquired sustainable e-grocer Imperfect Foods and now leverages its in-house transportation network to deliver directly to consumers with one of the most carbon-efficient grocery delivery models on the market. By tackling inefficiencies in the food system, our passionate and motivated team of problem solvers helps save an average of 500,000 pounds of food per week from waste or lesser outcomes, with an all-time savings of 190+ million pounds of food.As Misfits we support our customers and mission by embracing our core values ofPrioritizing our CustomersDoing more with lessThinking DifferentlyRespecting one anotherMoving deliberately and quicklyTaking initiative and deliveringAbout the RoleWe are looking for a strategic minded Technical Program Manager (TPM) to serve as the critical "operational bridge" within our organization. In this role, you will act as the primary liaison between our Client Success Managers (CSM) and our Operations/Floor Teams.You will not just manage timelines; you will engineer the "how." You will translate complex requirements from our 3PL clients into actionable, efficient, and compliant workflows on the manufacturing floor. You will be the technical architect behind our client programs, ensuring that what we promise is feasible, profitable, and executed to the highest standards of safety and quality.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Liaison & Client IntegrationPartner with Client Success Managers to digest complex client requests (new product launches, seasonal kitting, repacking) and determine operational feasibility.Translate high-level business requirements into detailed Technical Operational Plans (TOPs), Bills of Materials (BOMs), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the floor team.Manage the technical onboarding of new 3PL clients, ensuring their ERP/EDI systems integrate smoothly with our Warehouse Management System (WMS).Be the right hand to the Client Success Managers, and interact with the clients and provide technical supportLead the teams' SCRUM-KANBAN Boards using Agile methodologies.Operational Execution & Process EngineeringDesign and implement production workflows for food and beverage handling, specifically managing constraints related to Cold Chain (temperature zones, shelf-life management, and perishable handling).Troubleshoot bottlenecks on the production floor in real-time. If a line goes down or a process is inefficient, you are the first point of technical escalation.Lead capacity planning initiatives to ensure labor and equipment availability align with client demand forecasts.Own the data and tell the story to the clients on what is happening on their day-to-dayQuality, Safety & ComplianceEnsure all program processes adhere strictly to food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, FSMA) and internal HACCP plans.Design workflows that minimize waste and maximize yield, specifically for perishable goods.Conduct root-cause analysis (RCA) on operational failures or inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.Continuous ImprovementAnalyze operational data (throughput rates, labor hours per unit) to identify cost-saving opportunities.Drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives to reduce changeover times between different clientsProcess thinking and process design, you need to enable solutions using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enable operations and ensure their successQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's Degree requiredpreferred fields: Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Food Science.46 years of relevant experience in Operations, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain Management.Preferred experience in Food & Beverage, Operations, CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), fulfillment or manufacturing.Preferred but not required Product Management, Program manager experience. Ability to demonstrate facilitation of meetings and provide direction to teamsTechnical SkillsSystems Fluency: Proficiency with WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), and inventory control software.Data Analysis: Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills (modeling, pivot tables) or SQL knowledge to analyze production data, inventory and labor costs.Process Methodologies: Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen principles, or Agile and Scrum methodologies.Soft SkillsThe Translator: Ability to explain technical constraints to non-technical sales teams, and business goals to floor associates.High Adaptability: Comfortable working in a high-velocity 3PL environment where priorities shift daily.Crisis Management: Calm under pressure when resolving supply chain disruptions or production stoppagesDetails of Position & Benefits:Salary range: $100,000 - $110,000Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k)Annual Misfits grocery box credit of $1200 paid in weekly installmentsLife insurancePaid vacation timePaid holidaysPaid sick daysCommuter benefits