About the position
MycoWorks is seeking an Upstream Reishi™ Product Specialist to serve as the on-site product specialist at the South Carolina manufacturing facility, ensuring that Fine Mycelium™ sheet production aligns with Reishi™ material standards and strategic objectives. This role bridges the daily realities of upstream production with the long-term vision for product excellence. As the primary point of contact for product-related concerns on the production floor, this individual plays a critical role in upholding quality, resolving issues, and driving continuous improvement in collaboration with cross-functional teams. This position reports to the Sr. Reishi™ Product Manager and will be deeply integrated into day-to-day operations at the South Carolina site. The role requires frequent collaboration with production, innovation, and quality leadership, and is key to ensuring seamless translation of product strategy into manufacturing execution.
Responsibilities
- Define and maintain upstream product specifications based on theoretical targets and real-time feedback from downstream performance.
- Conduct routine visual inspections of Fine Mycelium™ sheets to detect quality deviations early.
- Serve as the primary liaison for product-related inquiries and feedback from the production floor.
- Champion Reishi™ product quality within upstream forums, escalating risks and advocating for corrective action when necessary.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to identify and implement improvements that elevate upstream product consistency and perceived material value.
- Regularly participate in core meetings such as Weekly Quality Forum, Quality Data Reviews and Project Updates, and Defect Review Sessions.
- Support the alignment of Manufacturing, Wet-End, and Supply Chain (MWSC) priorities with broader product strategy.
- Partner with Quality, Process Engineering, and Innovation teams to troubleshoot production issues and implement effective resolutions.
- Provide regular updates to the Sr. Reishi™ Product Manager and contribute to short- and long-term planning.
- Support the rollout and training of the Fine Mycelium™ binning system for the Quality team.
- Lead the implementation of a dedicated grading system for a client-specific program, in partnership with the Sr. Reishi™ Product Manager and clients.
- Oversee training and rollout in collaboration with the Quality team.
- Validate Fine Mycelium™ inventory selection to meet client-specific grading and performance requirements.
Requirements
- 5 + years of experience in a tannery or in a product development role working with leather or innovative material alternatives.
- Familiarity with material quality metrics and perceived quality characteristics (e.g., color uniformity, consistency, finish).
- Excellent communication and issue-resolution skills; comfortable operating in a production environment.
- Detail-oriented and dependable; able to act autonomously with a high degree of accountability.
- Proficiency in English.
- Experience working in fashion, luxury goods, or premium materials is strongly preferred.
- Background in high-growth or startup environments.
- Exposure to sustainability-driven materials or bio-based innovations.
- Trusted team player who demonstrates loyalty and discretion in complex or high-pressure settings.
Benefits
- Competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all employees.
