Kindly be advised that we are handling the recruitment for this position internally and are not partnering with external recruiters.
We are a Biology Company
Plantible, backed by Astanor Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Piva Capital, Kellogg’s, and Vectr Ventures, is a vertically integrated biology company that is unlocking the power in plants in service of people & planet. Our mission is to create solutions that empower customers to make sustainable and regenerative choices without compromising on quality. We are beginning with the food industry. Please visit our website to learn more about our mission and continued success: https://www.plantiblefoods.com/
How you will contribute:
The Production Lead is responsible for planning, executing and coordinating processing operations in our semi-automated food processing plant in Eldorado Texas. Keys to success are ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient production that meets the business objectives of the plant around cost, quality and productivity. This role acts as the first-line leader on shift, driving adherence to GMP, safety, and process standards while supporting troubleshooting, documentation accuracy, and team performance. This leader will be the sole decision maker on their shift to run operations and play a key role with R&D and Engineering teams to continue to optimize and scale our production operations.
What you will be working on:
- Lead safe and compliant food processing operations by enforcing GMP, PPE, SOPs, and safety standards, proactively identifying risks, and driving a zero-incident culture across all shifts.
- Execute production runs to meet yield, throughput, and quality targets, ensuring stability across all food processing unit operations (maceration, decanter, clarification, TFMF, filtration, UF, spray drying support).
- Own process performance during the shift, monitoring CPPs (e.g., turbidity, flow rates, TMP, dosing conditions), identifying deviations early, and leading real-time troubleshooting with Maintenance, FSQ, and Engineering.
- Drive mass balance discipline and process consistency, ensuring proper sampling, tracking of losses, and escalation of gaps (e.g., clarification performance, TFMF behavior, filtration efficiency).
- Lead and coordinate shift execution, assigning priorities, guiding Operators 1–3, and ensuring strong accountability in safety, quality, and operational performance.
- Ensure batch record accuracy and data integrity, including proper documentation of deviations, verification of operator entries, and identification of improvements in records and SOPs.
- Coordinate and execute critical sampling activities, including in-process, cleaning verification, and non-standard samples, ensuring alignment with FSQ requirements and run objectives.
- Maintain deep operational knowledge of food processing systems, including equipment, piping, valves, and HMI controls, enabling effective operation, diagnostics, and troubleshooting under dynamic conditions.
- Identify and escalate operational risks and inefficiencies, including equipment issues, process variability, and system constraints impacting yield or throughput.
- Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives, including CAPA, process optimization, and Management of Change (MOC), with a focus on increasing yield, stability, and run reliability.
- Ensure clear communication and disciplined shift handoffs, maintaining continuity across runs and alignment with production plans and maintenance activities.
What you bring to Plantible:
- Technical foundation with strong hands-on capability, through a degree in engineering, food science, bioprocessing, or equivalent experience operating and troubleshooting processing systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience (3–6+ years) in food, bioprocessing, or similar operations, with direct exposure to unit operations such as centrifugation/decanting, filtration (TFMF/UF), dosing systems, or drying processes.
- Demonstrated shift leadership experience, with the ability to direct operators, prioritize tasks, and drive execution under dynamic production conditions.
- Strong process understanding and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to identify and respond to deviations in key parameters (e.g., turbidity, flow rates, TMP, dosing performance) and support root cause investigations.
- Experience working in GMP-regulated environments, with strict adherence to SOPs, food safety standards, and audit-ready behaviors.
- High discipline in batch record execution and data integrity, including accurate documentation, deviation reporting, and verification of operational records.
- Hands-on experience with HMI/SCADA systems, with the ability to operate, monitor, and adjust processes in real time.
- Ability to read and interpret SOPs, process flow diagrams, and P&IDs, translating them into correct field execution.
- Strong operational mindset in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to adapt to changing production needs, strain variability, and troubleshooting demands.
- Commitment to safety and compliance, including consistent use of PPE and understanding of critical safety practices (LOTO, chemical handling, safe access).
- Physical capability to operate in an industrial environment, including standing for extended periods, working in process areas, and handling materials as required.
Choose Plantible Foods
Joining Plantible means contributing to a sustainable future for all. We are a venture backed startup that is both spreading happiness amongst our employees and to current and future generations. We believe diversity creates uniqueness. Our team is composed of highly talented people with different interests and hobbies, which makes for a rich working environment.
At Plantible we are continually working on our offerings to foster the best team. Check it out!
- Competitive health and wellness benefits
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Discretionary Unlimited PTO Program
- Paid Holidays
- 401k Program
- Career Stipend
- Career development and growth opportunities
- Working in a rapidly growing, flexible and entrepreneurial environment
- Team building and company-wide events
- Financial support with your relocation, if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition
- And of course, lots of beautiful land for outdoor activities!
Plantible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Plantible Foods reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
If you feel your skill set does not meet all listed qualifications for the role, we still encourage you to apply. As we continue to grow our company, we are seeking a range of candidates and would gladly consider you for other current or upcoming roles that may be a fit!
