Head of Operations

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, someone who can coordinate across science, engineering, and external partners to turn an ambitious development program into a reliable, industrial-ready operationThe Head of Operations will lead cross-functional planning, risk management, and execution across all scale-up and manufacturing programs. You will be the operational owner of our CMO relationships and the translator between technical realities and business decisions. This role requires a deep appreciation for the challenges of scaling fermentation and downstream processes—variability, transfer gaps, equipment constraints, timelines that slip, and the inherent uncertainties of industrial biotech. You will be responsible for driving clarity in a context where many things remain unknown, planning against imperfect information, and ensuring that our path to commercial scale remains grounded, resilient, and achievable.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 info@moafoodtech.com and we will contact you shortly.