Why you should join us:
At Sound Agriculture, we are revolutionizing the way the world grows food. Our innovative technology and solutions empower farmers to maximize nutrient efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and feed the world sustainably. Through a deeper understanding of plant and microbial biology, we are leveraging the natural power of plants to make agriculture more agile and resilient. If you’re passionate about cutting-edge science, making a real-world impact, and being part of a team that’s dedicated to transforming agriculture, we want you on our team!
Sound is a Series D startup funded by leading investors in food and agriculture including Leaps by Bayer, Syngenta Group Ventures, S2G Ventures, BMO Impact Investment Fund, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Fall Line Capital, Cavallo Ventures, FootPrint Coalition and Northpond Ventures.
What we're seeking:
We are seeking an experienced supply chain and manufacturing manager to to support the growth of the company to $100M in sales domestically in the US and through expansion into LATAM and Europe. In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the supply / manufacturing strategy for the organization. This role is accountable for the procurement of raw materials through the delivery of finished goods to our distribution warehouse. The Supply Chain role collaborates with the sales function via the S&OP process to manage timing, inventory and volumes.
Ideal candidates have successful experience managing and supporting contract/toll manufacturing in the ag chemical space. This position reports to the Sr. VP, Manufacturing & Supply and can be based remotely across the United States.
Candidates without chemical manufacturing and chemical procurement will not be considered.
Compensation Target
$150,000 to $170,000 base plus an annual bonus target of 10%
Bonuses are earned based on annual company and individual performance and are prorated based on start date.
Sound reserves the ability to adjust the compensation range based on the final candidate’s experience, skillset, and geography. In addition to on target earnings, we offer above average equity grants for the industry as we believe that every employee should have a stake in the company’s growth. If you’re above this compensation target, we encourage you to reach out and discuss the entire package and opportunity before deciding not to pursue this position.
Responsibilities
Formulation, Fill and Pack (FF&P) management
- Oversee selection and contracting of third party manufacturers for domestic (75%) and international (25%) FF&P
- Accountable for the technology transfer and technical support for our formulation processing
- Accountable for Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality audits prior to manufacture to ensure third party facilities meet Sound standards.
- Ensure all raw materials and packaging are acquired in a cost efficient, timely manner. Establishes specifications for raw materials and packaging goods.
- Establish third party warehousing to support FF&P activities and store raw materials / packaging.
- Accountable for the SRM activities supporting FF&P
- Negotiations for line time and pricing
- Manage inventory of raw materials and packaging including disposal of obsolete, expired and damaged inventory. Disposal of obsolete finished goods.
- For Primary distribution of finished goods both domestically and internationally
- Formulation Development Support
- Collaborates with R&D for the for the third party development of formulations supporting field trials and commercial sales
- Set criteria for formulation design from an FF&P perspective
Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) management
- Collaborates in the design and development of the supply HSEQ strategy; leads the tactical implementation and is accountable for ongoing execution/performance/success in both AI production and FF&P
- Accountable for the quality management and quality control activities supported by the R&D organization
- Manage and grow the quality activities inline with organizational growth
- Support customer service customer complaint process
Active Ingredient (AI) Sourcing
For bespoke chemistry:
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- Oversee third party process development
- Participate in the identification of potential suppliers and development of the Request for Quote (RFQ) to determine manufacturer
- Accountable for the technology transfer and technical support for AI
- Accountable for Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality audits prior to manufacture to ensure third party facilities meet Sound standards.
- Monitor performance and delivery of supplier
- For Primary distribution of AIs to our warehouse
For commodity chemistry:
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- Identify potential suppliers and develop RFQ to determine supplier
- Manage procurement of molecule
Targeted Skills & Experience
- Chemistry or Engineering degree strongly preferred
- Significant successful experience in chemical manufacturing / supply chain leadership
- Demonstrated ability to influence peers and partners
- Experience with new product launches with direct accountability for delivery
- Strong critical thinking skills; able to see the big picture, prioritize critical focus areas, and generate strategic options
- Polished communication skills, able to synthesize complex problems into clear concepts for non-supply chain personnel
- High attention to detail, able to quickly review complex issues or problems and determine root causes / primary issues to improve outcomes
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills across levels with an ability to persuade, and influence
- Demonstrated ability in Supplier Relationship Management with successful third party supplier/vendor partnerships
This role demonstrates our values by:
- Creativity: Find novel approaches to cost effectively deliver products seamlessly to our customers.
- Boldness: Support the rapid growth of Sound through timely decision making balancing customer needs and managing Sound’s cash and risk. Willing to challenge the organization.
- Ownership: Be hands-on and involved in the detailed work while managing spending as if it were your own money.
- Tenacity: Pushing on outcomes and efforts when conviction is high and don’t shy away from tough conversations or decisions.
#LI-REMOTE
What we offer:
- Opportunity to work in an incredible team with a drive to build alternative solutions to age old practices that increase farmer ROI
- Competitive total rewards package including base compensation, performance bonus structure or uncapped commission plan for sales positions, and above market equity
- Comprehensive health care plans including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
- Flex Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter Benefit for US-based employees)
- Health Savings Account with monthly employer contribution (for US-based employees on qualifying health plans)
- 401(k) with 3% company match (for US-based employees)
- Flexible time off policy empowering employees to use time how they need, when they need
- Mental health and wellbeing benefits - including dedicated monthly meeting free Focus Days
- Paid parental leave (for US-based employees)
- Regular events and engagement activities (we actually like hanging out with each other!)
Sound Agriculture does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies responding to job postings. We will not respond to unsolicited requests to submit candidates.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
Sound participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Sound is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Sound takes any action, including terminating your employment.
