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Full-Time

Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

MycoWorks

MycoWorks

201-500 employees

Produces sustainable mycelium-based leather alternative

Food & Agriculture
Hardware
Energy
Social Impact
Biotechnology
Consumer Goods

Senior

Spartanburg, SC, USA

Category
Quality Control & Compliance
Supply Chain Management
Operations & Logistics
Requirements
  • BS in Engineering or Business is preferred
  • Five plus years of experience working in a manufacturing facility with two plus years managing others (degreed and non-degreed individuals)
  • Experience building and coaching multiple systems such as AM/PM, Focused Improvement/Loss Elimination. Ideally has owned one or more of these Pillars
  • Knowledge of root cause analysis tools and ability to coach others in the organization on their proper execution
  • Experience working in cross functional teams
  • Understanding of TPM / Lean methodologies - Black Belt Six Sigma Certification or similar certification preferred
  • Ability to execute gap analyses and create focused action plans
  • Understanding of autonomous systems, specifically: Defect Handling; Centerline, Inspect, and Lubrication
  • Knowledge of statistical process control
  • Knowledge and experience working in a cleanroom environment a plus
  • Experience with starting up new equipment and/or production lines a plus
Responsibilities
  • Manage a group of team members responsible for all aspects of continuous improvement throughout the facility: technical training, increasing throughput, decreasing downtime/stops, improving work process inefficiencies, managing and improving Data Management Systems, eliminating other wastes, etc.
  • Collaborate with experts across multiple functions and disciplines in order to arrive at the best possible solution to any given problem
  • Build a team that becomes the “process experts” for the plant - able to give technical and process input for future scale-up projects
  • Facilitate employee adoption and usage of new/updated standards and project solutions and minimizes resistance to the changes
  • Build Operator capability through the development and training of Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, and One-Point Lessons
  • Become an Autonomous Maintenance expert and utilize related Daily Management Systems to maintain systematic fixes
  • Own the delivery and start-up of new machinery and projects in the facility
  • Assist in the development and rollout of quality-related standards
  • Lead the implementation of the MycoWay by leveraging servant leadership principles
  • Promote a “Zero Defect” culture within the facility
  • Help to drive the company vision and values

MycoWorks produces a leather alternative called Reishi™, made from mycelium, which is a part of fungus. This material is designed to be sustainable and is appealing to fashion brands and designers seeking eco-friendly options. Reishi™ has already been used in luxury products, such as handbags and hats. The company has recently expanded by opening a large facility in South Carolina, which is the first commercial-scale plant for Fine Mycelium™, allowing them to increase production to meet rising demand. MycoWorks stands out from competitors by focusing specifically on mycelium-based materials, which offer both sustainability and performance. The goal of MycoWorks is to capture a significant share of the growing leather goods market by providing a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$187.2M

Headquarters

Emeryville, California

Founded

2013

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

8%

2 year growth

63%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The opening of a 136,000 square foot facility in South Carolina positions MycoWorks to significantly scale up production and meet growing demand.
  • Collaborations with high-profile brands and designers, such as Cadillac and Deadwood Studios, enhance MycoWorks' visibility and market credibility.
  • The appointment of experienced luxury sector professionals like Ginevra Boralevi to the leadership team strengthens the company's strategic direction and brand positioning.

What critics are saying

  • The high cost of scaling production facilities could strain financial resources and impact profitability.
  • Dependence on luxury markets may limit broader adoption and make the company vulnerable to economic downturns affecting high-end consumer spending.

What makes MycoWorks unique

  • MycoWorks' Reishi™ is derived from mycelium, offering a unique and sustainable alternative to traditional leather, unlike many competitors who use synthetic or animal-based materials.
  • The company has established the world's first commercial-scale Fine Mycelium™ plant, showcasing its commitment to scaling production and meeting market demand.
  • Strategic partnerships with luxury brands like Hermès and Ligne Roset highlight MycoWorks' penetration into high-end markets, setting it apart from other sustainable material startups.