Techincal Manager

For Industrial scaling and expansion

Ansager, Denmark 

MATR Foods is a start-up on a mission to radically change the environmental impact of how we
eat. We develop cutting-edge microbial solutions that allow us to transform local ingredients into
delicious and nutritious food that is better for both humans and the planet. We have launched our
first line of products in branded partnerships, and we are now upscaling our production and
building a solid commercial strategy alongside.

Since launching our products in 2023, the demand has been higher than we could deliver. We are therefore scaling up production from pilot scale to full-scale production for international sales.

The Role

This newly created position as Technical Manager plays a critical role in MATR Foods’ ambitious growth plans. You will lead the industrial scale-up and establishment of our First-of-a-Kind solid-state fermentation-based food production at full scale. The upscaling involves setting up a new production line in a recently acquired, larger production facility, in close collaboration with selected Danish and European suppliers.

During the scale-up phase, the Technical Manager will be part of MATR Foods’ project team and report to the Chief Supply Chain Officer. Once the new production line is operational, the role will shift focus to operations, performance optimization, and maintenance, and you will report to the Plant Manager as part of the factory’s leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Be an active member of the project team responsible for installation, testing, and commissioning of the new production line and for establishing overall factory operations in line with performance goals, specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Take specific responsibility for establishing, upgrading, and commissioning the facility service systems required to operate the new line (steam supply, ventilation and air handling, refrigeration and freezing, power supply, control and automation).
• Ensure coordination and oversight of equipment suppliers’ activities, including installation according to agreed specifications and integration of the production line, in collaboration with suppliers and external consultants.
• As Head of Technical Operations, ensure a safe and efficient transition from project to operational mode, working closely with the Plant Manager, Production Managers, and QEHS Manager.
• Participate in building the factory’s new organization and hiring qualified staff. Going forward, you will share responsibility for developing and ensuring access to the necessary technical competencies for efficient operations.
• In collaboration with the QEHS Manager, define goals, plans, and procedures for quality and food safety in maintenance and operations, as well as for environmental and occupational health & safety compliance. This includes preparations for IFS certification.
• Be responsible for technical procurement and for preparing goals, plans, and budgets for both internal and external maintenance of the production line, buildings, and facilities. You will be accountable for the effective management of your allocated budget.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external experts on continuous improvement and implementation of optimal technologies—particularly in automation, data-driven production optimization, and process control.
• Establish a CAPEX process and lead capital investment activities in cooperation with the CSCO and Plant Manager.

Qualifications

You have an educational background as a Marine Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or similar, and solid experience in both project and operational technical management, including staff leadership. You have worked with specifying, purchasing, installing, and commissioning large-scale production systems and have managed budgets and maintenance systems for equipment, buildings, and facilities. You are experienced in managing supplier contracts and service agreements.

Experience from FMCG or food production environments—with a focus on hygienic design, automated process lines, and climate-controlled zones for clean air, temperature, and humidity—will be a strong advantage.

You are familiar with Lean principles and continuous improvement practices in both production and maintenance, in collaboration with operations leadership and staff.

Additional training in automation, process control, or robotics is a plus.

Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are essential.

Personal Attributes

To succeed in this role, you thrive in scale-up projects and are motivated by both the responsibility and the collaboration involved. You will work closely with MATR Foods’ specialists, operational staff, and a selected group of Danish and international suppliers on a wide range of complex tasks.

You see a unique opportunity to become a key contributor in a pioneering project: implementing a new automated production line and producing a novel food product using upgraded methods at an entirely new scale—from test kitchen to First-of-a-Kind industrial production.

You have strong organizational awareness, resilience, and a solution-oriented mindset. You know when to make independent decisions and when to involve colleagues or external experts.

You thrive in a production environment and fully understand the critical importance of consistent, high-performance production processes and the delivery of high-quality, safe food products.

Workplace

Your primary workplace will be our factory in Nørremarken, Skovlund, Ansager. Travel will be required to our current production site in Nordhavn and to suppliers across Denmark and Europe. Travel durations are typically 1–2 days.

What MATR Foods Offers

At MATR, we combine science and sustainability to create innovative solutions for the future of food. We have already earned awards, recognition, strong investor support—and loyal customers. Now we’re taking the next big step: scaling up for international export. You’ll have a unique opportunity to help shape a new food category and create a new model for sustainable food export based on Danish ingredients.

You’ll join a collaborative, dynamic workplace that values curiosity, initiative, and innovation, with a role that continuously evolves.

You’ll be part of a diverse and growing team of 20 people from over 10 nationalities—expected to expand significantly over the coming years.

How to Apply

Please send your application and CV to job@matrfoods.com with “Technical Manager” in the subject line. Application deadline: Monday, May 5 at 12:00 noon. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t hesitate to apply early.

At MATR we celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or national origin. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.   

Nordhavn Production Lead 

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark 

Onsite · Full-time · Fixed term 

About MATR Foods 

MATR Foods is a start-up on a mission to radically change the environmental impact of how we eat. We develop cutting-edge microbial solutions that allow us to transform local ingredients into delicious and nutritious food that is better for both humans and the planet. We have launched our first line of products in branded partnerships in restaurants, canteens and retail, and we are now upscaling our Pilot Production in Nordhavn to bring MATR to more consumers. 

Are you our next Nordhavn Production Lead? MATR Foods is looking for a Production Leader to be responsible for our Pilot Production facility based in Nordhavn. This role is integral to the growth of MATR Foods and will be responsible for the operations of a novel production process. You will be working hands-on in production alongside Production Managers and Assistants as well as Quality Assurance to ensure an efficient 7 days per week, 50 weeks per year production.  

This is a fixed-term role until September 2026, with the possibility of extension beyond the term. The Nordhavn Production Lead will be hired as the boots-on-the-ground leader of Nordhavn production and operations. MATR is expected to run operations from Nordhavn until September 2026, where the operations are then expected to move to Jutland. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-growing company with a pilot production located in the food startup hub of Nordhavn.  

Your Responsibilities 

As Nordhavn Production Lead, you will: 

• Be responsible for operations of Nordhavn Pilot Production 

• Be hands on and lead the daily production of MATR.  

• Ensure smooth operations 7 days per week, along with 2 Production Managers and a team of Production Assistants.  

• Build a motivated production team 

• Be responsible for the recruiting, hiring, onboarding and training of new production staff. 

• Be responsible for the health and safety standards of the production, in collaboration with QA.  

• Increase capacity to meet customer demands. 

• Ensure regulatory standards are met and followed. 

• Be production responsible in the case of regulatory audits and visits.  

• Communicate directly with Sales, QA and R&D. 

What We’re Looking For 

We are looking for an operational-minded natural leader with strong communication and problem-solving skills. You should be eager to get hands-on in production and be able to build a motivated production team. Ideally, you bring the following qualifications: 

• Minimum 5 years in food production, food manufacturing, production kitchen, catering, production operations or related field 

• Experience leading a production team 

• Strong people and problem-solving skills 

• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead by example and adapt to changes 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel 

• Knowledge of QA software such as Esmiley is an asset 

Preferred Qualifications 

• 1-3 years of experience in a managerial role in a production setting 

• Previous experience with 7 days a week production and/or continuous production is a plus 

• Experience with recruiting, hiring, and onboarding staff 

• Understanding of Danish Labor Laws and Collective Agreement terms 

Key Competencies 

• Willingness to be hands-on involved in production processes 

• Strong communication skills and ability to lead a multinational team of production staff 

If you’re excited to bring your expertise to an innovative and exciting company, we encourage you to apply! 

Why Join Us? 

At MATR, we are constantly evolving, and we have an exciting growth journey ahead. You’ll work in a cross functional environment with lots of innovation, curiosity, and room for growth. In our small startup, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of projects and make independent decisions and create meaningful impact.  

Our HQ, kitchen, and production facility are located in Nordhavn, an emerging hub for innovative food and beverage startups. You’ll join a dynamic and diverse team of 20 people representing over 10 nationalities. And yes, we appreciate a good Friday drink now and then! 

Read more about MATR at www.matrfoods.com/da 

Apply 

To apply, please send your CV and your motivation detailing your qualifications and interest in the position to job@matrfoods.com and write “Production Lead Nordhavn” in the subject field.
Application deadline is May 1st 2025. We do, however, review applications on an ongoing basis, so do not wait to apply. 

• Start Date: 1 June 2025, or as soon as possible 

• End Date: 30 September 2026 

• Employment Type: Full-time, Temporary  

Shortlisted candidates will first meet with Randi Rønne, QEHS Manager, for an initial interview. Selected candidates will then proceed to a second interview with Nikolaj Madsen, Process Engineering Senior Manager before a final hiring decision is made. 

At MATR we celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or national origin. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.