Joshua L.

Manufacturing & Capital Project Executive | $300M Facility Build-Out | 300+ Team Leadership | Regulatory Strategy (FDA, USDA, EPA) | Multi-Plant Turnaround Leader

Role
Sr Director Operations Us at Believer Meats
Location
Clayton, NC, US
LinkedIn followers
500 followers

About Joshua L.

I am a senior manufacturing and capital project leader with a track record of executing large-scale facility build-outs, leading complex regulated operations, and transforming underperforming plants into top-performing assets.Most recently, I played a key leadership role in a $300M facility build-out, supporting full operational readiness across manufacturing, utilities, wastewater pretreatment, regulatory interface, and cross-functional integration. I have led organizations of 300+ team members and report directly to executive leadership, translating strategic priorities into disciplined execution on the floor.My experience includes direct regulatory engagement with the USDA, FDA, EPA, and NCDOL — including securing approval in a novel biopharma environment involving cell-cultured meat production. Navigating ambiguity, regulatory complexity, and first-of-kind manufacturing challenges has been a defining component of my leadership journey.Across three separate facilities, I have led operational turnarounds moving plants from worst-to-best performance against AOP within 12 months. These transformations included significant improvements in:• Yield and scrap reduction• Labor productivity• Waste reduction• Safety performance• Cost disciplineI build structured operating systems that create clarity, accountability, and execution velocity. My leadership philosophy centers on alignment, risk visibility, and measurable results.I am energized by complex, high-stakes environments where disciplined leadership and cross-functional execution determine success.

Experience

  1. Sr Director Operations Us

    Believer Meats

    May 2024 — Present · NC, US

    Led $300M greenfield facility build-out to operational readiness-Reported directly to COO; provided executive-level updates on capital progress, risk, and regulatory milestones-Secured regulatory alignment and approval in novel cell-cultured biopharma manufacturing environment-Designed and implemented escalation and performance governance systems (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost)

Education

  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Bachelors, Earth Sciences, Geography and Geology

    2005 — 2009

  • University of Arkansas

    Certificate, HACCP

    2012 — 2012

  • SSGI

    Certificate, Lean Six Black Belt

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Joshua L. — Sr Director Operations Us at Believer Meats in Clayton, NC, US | Unifers