At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the scale-up of sustainable food production and manage manufacturing partnerships.
- Company: Fast-growing UK foodtech startup focused on innovative fermentation processes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work flexibility, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a dynamic startup environment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact on sustainable food solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 € per year.
About the Company
We are a fast growing UK food technology company using fermentation to create sustainable food ingredients from agricultural side streams and waste materials. Our lead product is a cocoa alternative ingredient with a significantly lower environmental footprint and strong commercial advantages for food manufacturers. Following successful product validation with major food companies, initial outsourced production, and recent Seed investment, we are now entering the next phase of growth: scaling manufacturing capability across the UK and Europe.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced production and scale‑up leader to help drive our manufacturing expansion as we move from pilot production towards repeatable commercial manufacturing. This is a senior operational role reporting directly to the CEO, combining hands‑on operational execution with strategic manufacturing scale‑up responsibilities. The role focuses on:
- Managing outsourced production and manufacturing partners
- Leading industrial scale‑up and production trials
- Supporting process industrialisation and supply chain development
- Translating R&D innovation into scalable manufacturing operations
Key Responsibilities
Production & Manufacturing- Manage outsourced production operations and manufacturing relationships
- Oversee production planning, batch execution, troubleshooting, and delivery performance
- Improve operational consistency, throughput, and reliability
- Lead pilot and commercial production scale‑up trials
- Coordinate with technical teams, engineering partners, and manufacturers
- Support development of scalable manufacturing systems and processes
- Develop supplier and raw material partnerships
- Support logistics, procurement, and manufacturing economics
- Contribute to operational budgeting and commercial decision‑making
- Work closely with R&D, engineering, and commercial teams
- Bridge the gap between scientific development and industrial execution
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience- Strong background in food manufacturing, production operations, or process scale‑up
- Experience managing manufacturing environments or external production partners
- Project management and operational execution experience
- Commercial awareness and strong problem‑solving ability
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑moving environment
- Experience in fermentation, ingredients manufacturing, brewing, or related industries
- Startup or scale‑up experience
- Exposure to process engineering or industrial process development
Role Details
- Full‑time permanent position
- Oxford-based with hybrid flexibility
- Regular UK travel and occasional international travel
- Salary: £55,000–£60,000 depending on experience
- Start date: ASAP
Lead Food Production & Supply Chain Manager VC backed Foodtech Startup in Oxford employer: Cooperjobs
As a rapidly expanding food technology startup based in Oxford, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and sustainability. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects and shape the future of food production. With competitive salaries and hybrid working options, we provide a unique chance to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to creating a positive environmental impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Food Production & Supply Chain Manager VC backed Foodtech Startup in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend food tech events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show genuine interest in their mission of sustainability and innovation. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when discussing your operational and scale-up experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our mission in transforming food production.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Food Production & Supply Chain Manager VC backed Foodtech Startup in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of sustainable food production!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for food tech and fermentation, and explain why you're excited about joining our team. Let us know how you can contribute to our growth and success.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in production or supply chain management. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cooperjobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the company's mission and products, especially their innovative use of fermentation. Brush up on your knowledge of sustainable food production and how it relates to the role. This will show that you're genuinely interested and can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in food manufacturing and scale-up processes. Be ready to discuss how you've managed production operations or worked with external partners, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in fast-paced environments. Think of scenarios where you had to troubleshoot production issues or improve operational efficiency, and be prepared to share your thought process.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, be prepared to discuss how you've worked with R&D, engineering, and commercial teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you bridge gaps between different departments to achieve common goals.
