Awakened Foods, LLC was created in 2021 through the combination of two Powerhouse brands – Ka-Pop! Snacks and Bubba’s Fine Foods. Ka-Pop! was founded in 2017 to bring authenticity, taste, and joy back to healthy snacking. We believe that non-GMO, allergy-free, and vegan products do not have to be boring and taste like cardboard – allowing consumers to Indulge Fearlessly. Bubba’s is a grain-free, keto, and paleo snacking platform. We are expanding our reach to get more consumers better-for-you food options that they can be excited about.
Located in Loveland, CO, our company is headed by Dustin Finkel, who is supported by a leadership team composed of CPG industry veterans. We bring the best of big and small food together, fueled by a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. Our advisors and investors also represent some of the most prominent leaders in the Natural Foods industry. Visit www.awakenedfoods.com for more information.
We are growing very rapidly across channels and have set ambitious goals for the next few years to help make us one of the fastest-growing companies in the grocery store!
MEET AWAKENED FOODS!
Awakened Foods, LLC was created in 2021 through the combination of two Powerhouse brands – Ka-Pop! Snacks and Bubba’s Fine Foods. Ka-Pop! was founded in 2017 to bring authenticity, taste, and joy back to healthy snacking. We believe that non-GMO, allergy-free, and vegan products do not have to be boring and taste like cardboard – allowing consumers to Indulge Fearlessly. Bubba’s is a grain-free, keto, and paleo snacking platform. We are expanding our reach to get more consumers better-for-you food options that they can be excited about.
Located in Loveland, CO, our company is headed by Dustin Finkel, who is supported by a leadership team composed of CPG industry veterans. We bring the best of big and small food together, fueled by a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. Our advisors and investors also represent some of the most prominent leaders in the Natural Foods industry. Visit www.awakenedfoods.com for more information.
We are growing very rapidly across channels and have set ambitious goals for the next few years to help make us one of the fastest-growing companies in the grocery store!
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The role will report directly to the Co-Founder/COO. We are looking for a motivated and collaborative manufacturing engineer to add to our snack food operations team. This role will work closely with the production team to develop and optimize production processes and documentation, sourcing and implementing new production equipment, planning factory layouts to optimize efficiency and output, and managing our technical services team. With a focus on Lean Manufacturing, the manufacturing engineer will work with the team to standardize and continuously improve production processes. The person in this role will also have the opportunity to be part of setting up a new production facility. Prior food and beverage experience is a plus, but not necessary. This role will be based in Loveland, CO. More details can be found in Appendix A.
As a key member of the team, this position requires a highly motivated individual who is not afraid to take ownership of projects and objectives. A successful candidate is quick-thinking and eager to ride the exciting waves of a start-up culture. This position will require flexibility, strong attention to detail, and a can-do attitude as our company continues to grow. We are still small, so be ready to help chip in for every aspect of the business. This is not a “9-5” role; it will require passion, dedication, and a willingness to drive the business forward – a “do whatever it takes” mentality! We have seen tremendous growth and have a great support network. With our small team, you will be a massive part of the company/family, so a strong cultural fit is critical!
Get ready to live the brand! Bring your passion for both health and fitness and get excited to impact the culture & direction of the Awakened Foods empire!
Willingness & Passion
If you have always wanted to be part of a new company and have an impact, this is the role for you. If you hate change, don’t like constant challenges and want simplicity or ease, this is NOT for you 😉!
Appendix A: JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Efficiency Management
- Implement production process improvements to existing and future product lines
- Implement Lean Manufacturing practices across entire operations team.
- Create and improve Standard Operating Procedures for production employees
- Measure production line performance and cycle times
- Analyze and plan workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency.
Production Equipment & Facility Management
- Evaluate and purchase new production equipment.
- Facilitate R&D team with transition of R&D product lines to full-scale production model
- Manage existing production equipment lines.
- Implement and manage equipment maintenance and repair programs to keep production equipment at optimal capacity.
- Assist production team with trouble-shooting process including coordinating with vendors and customers to resolve issues to meet production timelines, quality policies, and customer expectations.
- Manage the planning and implementation of new production facility site
- Liaison with general contractor and architects with all design elements
- Design proper production layout and flow
- Plan and manage facility move logistics
- Management of production facility CAD drawings and equipment CAD drawings.
Technical Services Management
- Manage Technical Services team
- Create best practices, policies and procedures for all of the Technical Services activities
- Set & Communicate Department Goals
- Provide leadership & coaching to achieve goals; including reviews, recognition, correction, training, hiring & firing
Other
- Evaluate quality control processes and make recommendations for improvements in quality control.
- Demonstrate the ability to organize information, job tasks, and manage time for most efficient and effective performance.
- Participate in ongoing education and professional development opportunities.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities associated with it.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- Lean Manufacturing implementation experience
- 5+ years of engineering experience
- Management experience
- Advanced understanding of Excel
- Intermediate understanding of Word, & PowerPoint
- Attention to detail
- Strong organizations skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Positive, upbeat, and professional attitude when interacting with everyone (especially customers to investors)
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight timelines
- Fun and optimistic, with a work super hard, play super hard mentality
Nice-to-Have’s:
- Food and Beverage manufacturing experience
- Ability to work nights and weekends when needed
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and the size of our Company – with the pay range between $65-135K. It will likely include ownership interests in the Company as well!
Are you ready to take us to the next level? Email a short cover letter highlighting why you want this job – SELL US ON YOU!!! Please include as well: What is your super strength? Email your resume and answer to: [email protected]
Additional Links/Reading
Dustin Finkel Podcast with Force Brands – https://www.snacknation.com/blog/ka-pop-dustin-finkel/ Shark Tank – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avqdZ5xd-fU)
Please let them know you heard about it from Venture Connect