Production Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

WHO WE ARE

Mama Teav's is a California-based Asian pantry brand best known for Hot Garlic, our signature chili crisp. We make bold, layered condiments rooted in real ingredients and real flavor. We operate our own production facility in Emeryville and are bringing a new automated bottling line online in 2026.

THE ROLE

The Production & Operations Manager is responsible for people, process, and product at our Emeryville facility. This role owns production scheduling, quality assurance, food safety compliance, supply chain, and team leadership.

This is a hands-on, floor-based role. You will run production days alongside the team, build and maintain the systems and documentation the operation needs, and lead the transition onto our new bottling line. This hire needs to be in place before that line comes online, so you can learn current processes first and own that transition.

You lead by example, communicate directly, and hold yourself and your team accountable to clear standards. This role reports directly to the COO and manages production staff and direct reports at the facility. Some weekend availability may be required.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Production & Scheduling

• Own the weekly production schedule across all SKUs; ensure on-time, on-spec output
• Lead daily production operations, including batch execution, equipment setup, and line changeovers
• Oversee the ACASI bottling line and all production equipment; make hands-on mechanical adjustments and coordinate with vendors for maintenance and repair
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve consistency

Quality & Food Safety

• Lead all food safety programs including HACCP, GMP, and SQF Level 2 compliance
• Maintain and improve quality control systems and standard operating procedures
• Manage internal audits, documentation, and preparation for third-party audits and inspections
• Act as the primary food safety point of contact for the facility

Team Leadership

• Hire, onboard, train, and develop production staff
• Build a culture of accountability, physical safety, and continuous improvement on the floor
• Identify and mentor emerging leaders within the production team
• Manage employee relations and work closely with leadership to resolve issues quickly and fairly

Supply Chain & Sourcing

• Manage vendor relationships for ingredients, packaging, and production supplies
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with co-founders on purchasing decisions
• Improve supply chain redundancy and cost efficiency over time
• Support supplier approval program (SAP) documentation and vendor qualification

Operations & Strategy

• Build and maintain robust SOPs for all production and operations functions
• Collaborate with the founding team on capacity planning, new product launches, and facility decisions
• Manage compliance documentation including SQF records, regulatory filings, and audit readiness
• Contribute to long-term planning around equipment, personnel, facility, and scale

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 3+ years of experience in food manufacturing operations
• 2+ years of experience managing direct reports in a production environment
• Working knowledge of food safety standards including HACCP, GMP, and SQF or equivalent
• Mechanical aptitude, with the ability to troubleshoot and make hands-on adjustments to production line equipment
• Hands-on experience with production equipment, bottling lines, or filling operations a strong plus
• Comfortable with spreadsheets, production tracking, and data-driven decision making
• Strong communicator: clear, direct, and constructive
• Solutions-oriented and calm under pressure
• Fluent or near-fluent Spanish strongly preferred

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work onsite at our Emeryville, CA facility
• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs, move between stations, and stand for extended periods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Fluent or conversational Spanish strongly preferred
• Authorization to work in the U.S.

EXTRA CREDIT

• SQF Practitioner certification or equivalent
• Experience with allergen control programs and allergen-free production
• Familiarity with ACASI or similar filling/bottling equipment
• Experience building out or commissioning a new production line
• Mechanical, industrial maintenance, or equipment repair background
• Background in Asian cuisine, condiments, or sauces

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume and a short note about why this role resonates with you to . We're a small team and we read everything.