KRAVE is the original premium meat snack brand, founded in 2010 by Jon Sebastiani who was in search of a better-for-you high-protein snack when training for the NYC Marathon.  Unable to find one commercially available among a meat snacks category that was once dominated by conventional brands, KRAVE was founded to modernize the meat snacks category through culinary-inspired flavor profiles, premium protein sources, elevated claims, and a proprietary cook process that results in a distinctly tender eating experience.

 

Chef’s Cut was similarly an early pioneer within the better-for-you meat snacks category. Founded in 2012 by pro-golfer Dennis Riedel and his Chef looking for a healthy and delicious meat snack to enjoy while out on the golf course.  Riedel and Chef scaled the brand from the country club to every major retail channel, on a mission to deliver a ‘steakhouse quality experience, outside of the steakhouse’ at an approachable price point, with its thicker jerky cuts and traditional flavor profiles.  

 

Through acquisition, KRAVE and Chef’s Cut are now jointly owned and operated.  The combined portfolio represents premium, ultra-premium, and value segments within the meat snacks category – currently the fastest growing segment within total US snacking. KRAVE and Chef’s Cut’s stick and jerky offerings are available in 25,000+ stores nationwide, with key retailers that include Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Costco, Albertsons, Kroger, Meijer and more.

The Director of Operations will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the operational side of the business, including procurement, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and quality control to ensure timely, efficient and cost-effective product delivery to market while meeting sales targets and maintaining quality standards. S/he will report into the CEO and will be responsible for all operations functions.  This is a remote role, however with preference for s/he to be based in Austin, TX. 

 

Production Planning and Scheduling: Develop and manage production schedules based on sales forecasts, ensuring optimal utilization of manufacturing capacity. 

Inventory Management: Monitor and control inventory levels across all distribution channels to avoid out of stocks and minimize inventory carrying costs. 

Supply Chain Management: Oversee the supply chain, from raw material procurement to finished product delivery, including managing relationships with suppliers and logistics providers. 

Quality Control: Implement and maintain robust quality control procedures to ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards. 

Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across operations, including optimizing production processes, reducing waste, and negotiating supplier contracts. 

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP): Lead cross-functional S&OP meetings to align sales forecasts with production capabilities and ensure smooth operational execution. 

Performance Monitoring: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like on-time delivery, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction to identify areas for improvement. 

Logistics and Distribution: Manage the distribution network, including warehouse operations, order fulfillment, and transportation logistics to ensure timely deliveries. 

Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement operational improvements through lean methodologies, process optimization, and technology upgrades. 

Team Leadership: Lead and develop a team across logistics and supply chain functions.