Food Operations Manager - Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen - BG

Do you embrace working with entrepreneurs and their creative spirits? Is your attention to detail impeccable and do you have a passion and patience for delivering technical assistance to those unfamiliar with such information? Can you multi-task readily and embrace daily unexpected challenges with energy and enthusiasm? CIFT is searching for a unique candidate who has food processing experience, understands food safety protocols, and has worked with production equipment in some capacity to serve as the Food Production Manager of the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK). NOCK is a shared cooperative kitchen located in Bowling Green, Ohio. Beyond the production assistance delivered to clients, documentation requirements associated with ensuring timely leases, billings, scheduling, and facility certifications are up to date are desired. Tools are available to assist in tracking but daily monitoring ensures accuracy. Education and recruitment of food enthusiasts is common and onboarding those who are interested in moving forward is critical for success. This involves:

• Understanding the regulatory and production requirements for a quality product.
• Delivering training and hands-on assistance is essential for the advancement of any potential entrepreneur.
• Assurances that users, visitors, and service providers adhere to the food safety protocols are key along with exemplary relationships with regulatory authorities.
• General maintenance awareness and connectivity to service providers will keep the facility operating smoothly.
• Monitoring budgets and making recommendations as to equipment needs and methods of covering costs.
• Strict adherence to sanitary and operational procedures is a critical element of the position.
• Conducting tours and contributing marketing ideas will further enhance the kitchen.

Better Processing School training certification is a plus with at least five years of production experience in retail food products. Additionally, ServeSafe certification is ideal. Working in a fast-paced environment assisting multiple food entrepreneurs can be challenging but the gratification and sense of purpose assisting these companies in their success is very fulfilling.

For almost 30 years, CIFT has focused on our mission of driving competitiveness for food processors and agribusinesses through a unique blend of business solutions, innovation, and technical expertise. As a private, non-profit organization, CIFT engages with industry, academia, policymakers, innovators, and more. The preferred location is Toledo, Ohio with logistical considerations and a hybrid work schedule in place. This is a full-time salary position with benefits and competitive pay based on experience.  Each day is different, the engagements are unique, and all impacts are incredibly rewarding.  

For more information on CIFT and the NOCK visit our website www.ciftinnovation.org   Please submit your resume along with a cover letter to [email protected]