We have an opening on our kitchen team for an individual that is passionate about culinary arts and has a mind for details to help us ensure that each batch of nut butter is top quality. The position requires knowledge and experience in taste testing, flavor development and in maintaining product consistency. We are looking for an individual that is seeking to expand their knowledge and grow as both a culinary professional and a leader.

The Culinary & Procurement Lead’s main responsibilities are to ensure production of our product is up to Ground Up standards and also that all of the materials are procured (and up to par) for production. This includes developing a taste and palate for product, assisting in raw materials procurement, problem solving while mixing and tasting batches, ensuring quality control and consistency for product, and supervising training program employees throughout the mixing process. The Culinary & Procurement Lead must be excited about nut butter and how to make it, detail-oriented and organized, and willing to help with all aspects of Ground Up processes!

We are looking for an individual that possesses a strong desire to produce delicious nut butters, works well as a team, is flexible and willing to help fellow team members, has  strong time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.  

Responsibilities include:

• Mixing
• Sets pace for the kitchen by mixing each batch of nut butter (the first stage in our production process)
• Measures, weighs and preps ingredients to prepare each batch
• Oversees the mixing station and ensures that every mixer’s quality is up to standard and every batch is recorded properly 
• Assembles, cleans, breaks down, and maintains the mixing machine, as well as any and all production equipment and supplies
• Procurement / Sourcing
• Manage and forecast inventory of raw ingredients based on production plan
• Order raw materials; manage contracts and pricing with suppliers
• Communicate with our suppliers
• Maintain accurate COGS
• Communicate with our warehouse team to ensure pallets of raw materials are received and organized appropriately for each production day
• Other Production Duties
• Help Assistant Operations Managers set up for production, including updating production paperwork and prioritizing production according to business needs
• Involvement with Production Line
• Manage assembly, operation and cleaning of all production equipment
• Maintain warehouse space organization and cleanliness
• Quality Control
• This role is ultimately responsible for the quality of each batch of nut butter
• Ensure workflow policies and procedures that improve efficiency without compromising safety or quality 
• Ensure workflow plans for product inspection are completed and follow up with the appropriate channels when mistakes are found
• Ensure that products adhere to quality standards through active sampling
• Kitchen Safety and Sanitation
• Attend trainings on kitchen sanitation and protocol to stay up to date with current requirements and regulations
• Maintain high standards of quality and kitchen sanitation in line with regulatory agencies
• Knows, understands, communicates and facilitates a safe work culture, ensuring compliance with all company safety/environmental and housekeeping policies
• Ensure sanitation practices and record keeping are maintained to hygenic food safety regulatory expectations
• Update HACCP plan according to production changes
• Maintain efficiency, quality standards, and adherence to safety protocol while working in the kitchen and warehouse
• Supply/Inventory Tracking
• Maintains adequate supply levels of all ingredients and ensures proper storage and organization
• Reduces waste and overproduction by actively reporting yield discrepancies
• Tracks and tastes raw materials for rancidity/freshness
• Training
• Train program employees on mixing processes & how to operate mixing machines
• Create supportive environment where Training Program employees can build skills and confidence
• Product Development
• Collaborate with co-founder to develop new flavors (and potentially new products!); be the point person for new product development 
• Work with co-founder to execute seasonal flavor launches and managing deadlines. This would include sourcing, recipe refinement, launch details, communication with brand / influencer partners, etc. 
• Other
• Assist in other production and warehouse related projects as the need arises

Skills: 

• Culinary expertise or passion
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in ability to safely and effectively operate standard foodservice equipment
• Attention to detail
• Proficiency in Excel
• Adaptability
• Decision-making
• High energy level
• Multi-tasking
• Planning
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Must be able to lift 25lbs & able to stand on your feet for 8 hours during production days
• Ideal candidate brings experience working with diverse population

Non-Exempt, Hourly Position

Schedule: MON-FRI 8:30AM - 5PM

Benefits: Paid Holidays, PTO, Healthcare Reimbursement

TO APPLY: Send your resume and a letter of interest to hiring@grounduppdx.com.

At Ground Up, we maintain an open hiring policy and aim to create and cultivate a community that is diverse across race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, identity, experience, and perspective— where every employee feels supported to apply their whole self to our collective mission.