Overview
We are a fast-moving, Series A industrial biotechnology startup developing breakthrough bioprocesses to bring sustainable products to market. After demonstrating strong performance at pilot scale, we are now preparing for the difficult leap to industrial-scale production. This next phase brings substantial technical, operational, and execution complexity, especially as we work with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) to scale beyond in-house capability.
We are seeking a Head of Operations who can bring rigor, structure, and foresight to this scale‑up journey, coordinating across science, engineering, and external partners to turn an ambitious development program into a reliable, industrial‑ready operation.
Key Responsibilities
Scale‑Up & CMO Management
* Own operational leadership of pilot‑to‑industrial scale transitions, including navigating the non‑linear challenges that emerge at larger scales.
* Coordinate deeply with CMOs on fermentation and downstream operations, ensuring alignment on experimental design, run readiness, process changes, and data expectations.
* Anticipate and manage execution risk, equipment availability, limited campaign windows, raw material constraints, process deviations, and analytical bottlenecks.
* Drive tech transfer packages that are complete, actionable, and reflect real‑world operational conditions at each CMO.
* Establish clear communication, issue‑tracking, and escalation frameworks with external partners.
Project & Program Management
* Build and maintain detailed, integrated project plans that account for the realities of scale‑up: long lead times, interdependencies, and high uncertainty.
* Run structured program reviews, decision gates, and cross‑functional alignment processes to keep execution on track.
* Implement and maintain systems for documentation, change management, run planning, and technical/operational sign‑off.
* Translate R&D learning into operational timelines and resource needs, ensuring leadership has a realistic view of execution risk.
Uncertainty & Risk Management
* Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk register covering technical performance, CMO execution, supply chain constraints, and schedule sensitivities.
* Lead scenario planning for potential failures or delays, e.g., fermentation underperformance, failed batches, CMO capacity shifts, or process redesign.
* Use probabilistic and adaptive planning principles to manage high uncertainty while maintaining forward momentum.
* Introduce structure for early detection of issues and rapid response.
Operational Planning & Execution
* Build the operational systems required to scale: run planning, campaign logistics, procurement coordination, and quality interfaces.
* Coordinate material readiness, sample flow, data delivery, and reporting for all scale‑up activities.
* Manage operational budgets tied to scale‑up campaigns and CMO workstreams, including forecasting spend and tracking burn.
* Set up robust internal processes—SOPs, workflows, decision logs—that support disciplined execution.
Cross‑Functional Leadership
* Act as the connective tissue between process development, fermentation engineering, downstream engineering, analytics, supply chain, and leadership teams.
* Bring clarity and structure to ambiguous technical programs, enabling efficient decision‑making.
* Mentor and grow a small operations team to support increasing program complexity.
Qualifications
Required
* 7–12+ years in industrial biotech, bioprocessing, fermentation, or specialty chemicals with direct experience scaling processes from pilot to industrial scale.
* Proven track record managing tech transfer and scale‑up at CMOs or commercial manufacturing sites.
* Strong program management skills and experience managing complex, interdependent milestones under uncertainty.
* Demonstrated ability to plan amid incomplete information and manage risks proactively.
* Excellent communication, coordination, and documentation skills.
Preferred
* Experience in Series A–B startups or other high‑growth environments where structure must be built from the ground up.
* Hands‑on exposure to fermentation, downstream processing, or bioprocess engineering challenges during scale‑up.
* Experience implementing operational systems (project tracking, run planning, vendor management, documentation frameworks).
* PMP, Lean/Six Sigma, or similar certifications.
What We Offer
* The opportunity to shape the operational foundation of a company at a pivotal inflection point.
* Direct influence on strategy, resource allocation, and execution as we move toward industrial‑scale production.
* Meaningful equity and competitive compensation.
* A mission‑driven team committed to technical excellence and sustainable innovation.
Why Join MOA
* Play a key role in scaling a novel biotechnological process from pilot to industrial production.
* Work closely with multidisciplinary teams at the intersection of biotech, food, engineering, and circular economy.
* Join a mission‑driven, fast‑growing company redefining the food industry.
* Enjoy a flat structure, high autonomy, and a team of smart, kind humans.
* Benefit from flexible working conditions and competitive compensation.
Interested?
Send us your CV to ****** and we will contact you shortly.
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