Food Production Process Implementation and Product Quality Supply Chain Manager , Fresh Food Production - WWGS

DescriptionAmazon is seeking an experienced Food Production Process Implementation and Product Quality Supply Chain Manager (L6) to lead cross-functional programs ensuring batched recipes are produced accurately and scale correctly across Whole Foods Market food production facilities. This role combines deep expertise in food manufacturing process implementation, product quality assurance through visual and sensory analysis, and operational troubleshooting to deliver consistent, high-quality products across our fresh food production network. The ideal candidate will partner with process engineers, commercialization teams, and program managers to drive successful process implementation while working directly with site managers to resolve production challenges and support general facility operations.Key job responsibilitiesRecipe Scale-Up and Process ImplementationLead end-to-end process implementation for batched recipe production, ensuring recipes scale correctly from test kitchen through pilot runs to full facility production volumePartner with process engineers to validate production workflows, equipment configurations, and batch parameters during recipe scale-up and ongoing productionCollaborate with commercialization and program management teams to align process implementation timelines with product launch schedules and business requirementsDevelop and maintain standardized process documentation including production SOPs, scale-up guidelines, and batch production procedures for facility teamsConduct process validation activities from pilot through full commercial production, troubleshooting formulation, process, and equipment challenges to ensure successful launchesLead cross-functional teams through stage-gate processes ensuring all technical, quality, and operational requirements are met prior to production handoffBuild mechanisms to capture and share process implementation best practices across production facilitiesProduct Quality Assurance and Sensory AnalysisOwn product quality assurance through systematic visual inspection and taste analysis protocols, ensuring finished products meet Whole Foods Market quality standards and culinary specificationsManage tasting schedules and sensory evaluation processes, coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders to document findings and drive corrective actions when product quality deviates from standardsDrive root cause analysis when product quality deviations occur and implement corrective action preventive action (CAPA) initiatives to prevent recurrenceDevelop quality performance metrics and product quality scorecards that provide visibility into production consistency, sensory evaluation results, and quality trends across facilitiesEnsure all production processes comply with food safety regulations including HACCP, GMP, and applicable quality management standardsPartner with commercialization teams to validate that scaled production output matches the culinary intent and gold standard recipes established during developmentSite Operations Support and TroubleshootingWork directly with site managers to troubleshoot process implementation issues, production variances, and recipe execution challenges at the facility levelSupport general facility operations by identifying process improvement opportunities, optimizing production efficiency, and assisting with operational needs across the buildingLead on-site process change management, ensuring facility teams understand and can execute new or modified production proceduresDevelop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to address potential production blockers and operational challenges at each siteLead post-implementation reviews and capture lessons learned to continuously improve process deployment methodologies and production playbooksStakeholder Management and Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with process engineers, commercialization teams, quality assurance, food safety, and operations leadership to drive aligned process implementation prioritiesBuild consensus across diverse stakeholder groups including site managers, program managers, and engineering teamsCommunicate progress, challenges, and outcomes effectively through narratives, presentations, and status reportsDrive mindful discussions that lead to crisp decisions, balancing competing interests and trade-offs between quality, throughput, and costServe as a mentor and coach to less experienced team members on production processes, quality standards, and troubleshooting methodologiesData-Driven Decision MakingTrack and report on process implementation milestones, quality metrics, and production performance using established tools and reporting mechanismsAnalyze production data and quality metrics to identify trends, improvement opportunities, and process optimization targetsRegularly review performance metrics and proactively seek improved data mechanisms for visibility into process implementation progress and product qualityContribute to OP1/OP2 narratives and own organizational goals related to process implementation and product quality excellenceA day in the lifePosition may require up to 50% travel to food production facilities for process implementation, troubleshooting, and quality auditsSignificant time on manufacturing floor observing production processes, conducting quality assessments, and engaging with facility teamsAbility to work in food manufacturing environments including temperature-controlled areas, production kitchens, and processing floorsFlexibility to work various shifts as needed to support manufacturing operations and production launchesOccasional evening or weekend work during critical production launches or process implementation phasesFlexibility to work across time zones supporting multiple production facilitiesBasic Qualifications5+ years of program or project management experience5+ years of supply chain experienceExperience using data and metrics to determine and drive improvementsExperience owning program strategy, end to end delivery, and communicating results to senior leadership4+ years of managing food safety and quality in a large-scale retail or manufacturing environment experienceExperience influencing senior leaders/stakeholdersExperience with analytical tools and ability to dive deep into metrics and reportingExperience writing technical documents, project plans and progress reports to leadership and to stakeholdersBachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field• 5+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional programs across multiple locations or production lines• Demonstrated experience with recipe scaling, batch production processes, and manufacturing process optimization• Experience conducting sensory evaluation (visual and taste analysis) and product quality assessments in food production settings• Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)• Experience working with process engineers, commercialization teams, and site operations leadershipPreferred Qualifications2+ years of driving process improvements experienceMaster's degree, or MBA in business, operations, human resources, adult education, organizational development, instructional design or related fieldPMP certificate, or MBA in supply chain management, operations, engineering, analytics or related fieldExperience in food productionKnowledge of consumer product compliance processes and regulationsExperience with process improvement techniques such as Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing or Six SigmaExperience leading process improvementsExperience in a fast-paced, automated, industrial, logistics, production or manufacturing environment• Master's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related field• HACCP certification or Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification• Experience with sensory science methodologies and formal tasting panel management• Familiarity with ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and production planning toolsAmazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.USA, TX, AUSTIN - 115,400.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually