QC and R&D Lead
Full-time. Location: San Francisco
Three Trees is a leading producer of organic plant-based milks, dedicated to crafting products free of additives, preservatives, thickeners, and stabilizers. Founded over 10 years ago, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. With demonstrated success in the largest segment of plant-based foods, we are positioned for even greater expansion. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a successful startup and make a real impact.
We are seeking a senior supply chain leader to optimize our supply chain and manage our contract manufacturing relationships.
Our core values:
Entrepreneurial
We take great pride in our work and are always striving for excellence. We care and are continually looking for ways to improve. Ownership, initiative, and a strong work ethic are in our DNA. We are all willing to roll up our sleeves and pitch in wherever needed.
Authentic
We bring our honest, full selves to work every day. We value in ourselves and others: humility, integrity, and conscientiousness. There is no room for big egos on our team.
Mission-Driven
We are passionate and driven by our shared mission. Our can-do attitude and commitment to higher standards set us apart and keep us aligned and focused.
The Role
The QC and R&D Lead will lead product formulation, innovation, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, procurement, and vendor relationships. While in this role, you will work closely with Operations, Manufacturing, and Procurement– within the company and with external partners.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and improve product organoleptic quality
- Formulate and adjust formulations
- Be a proactive voice in New Product Development ideation, conceptualization, and commercial production
- Identify and source ingredients for making the best quality products
- Standardize the review process of new supplier and ingredient validation
- Perform yearly reviews of approved suppliers and ingredients
- Collaborate with our co-packer to validate manufacturing controls and system capabilities to meet specification requirements, while driving improvement and minimizing losses
- Manage issues with non-conforming products to eliminate future occurrences through root cause analysis
- Build external relationships with co packers, suppliers, and other business partners
Qualifications
- Passionate about natural foods, the Three Trees brand, and our mission
- Resourceful and scrappy, able to adopt a hands-on approach to both manufacturing through a co packer and formulation
- Highly self-motivated, resourceful, accountable, comfortable with ambiguity, and strong willingness to roll up your sleeves and drive towards the best outcome for the business
- Strong ability to stay focused on priorities and drive for results
- Ability to navigate dynamic situations and thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Great interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- 10+ years of experience working in natural foods industry preferred
- Driver’s license / comfortable driving, and authorized to work in the United States
This position is based in the Bay Area (San Francisco).
Please email sunny@threetrees.com with your resume, and tell us about yourself!