Job Summary:

As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will be a key member of our executive team, responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of our business, with a focus on scaling our unique technology for producing cultivated meat. You will drive operational excellence, optimize processes, and ensure efficient production to meet company goals and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the CEO and other senior leaders to develop and execute strategic plans for business growth and expansion, with a particular focus on operational scalability.
• Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, quality control, and facility management, to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the business.
• Technology Implementation: Lead the implementation and optimization of our proprietary technology for cultivated meat production, working closely with research and development teams to scale production processes.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance standards to ensure the consistent quality and safety of our cultivated meat products, in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Develop and implement strategies to optimize the supply chain, minimize costs, and ensure timely delivery of raw materials and finished products to meet customer demand.
• Sustainability Leadership: Champion the company's commitment to sustainability by integrating sustainable practices throughout the production process, from sourcing to manufacturing.
• Regulatory Compliance: Proactively stay abreast of and ensure adherence to all applicable regulations governing cultivated meat production.
• Metrics and Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and progress towards company goals.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential operational risks to ensure smooth and uninterrupted production.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing operations team, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to drive employee engagement, productivity, and professional development.
• Collaboration: Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with other departments, including research and development, marketing, sales, and finance, to align operational efforts with overall business objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and efficiency gains, and implement best practices to enhance operational performance and profitability.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in operations management, ideally within the food or biotechnology industry, with a track record of successfully scaling operations and implementing innovative technologies, particularly in the cultivated meat sector or similar alternative protein production.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, drive results, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a focus on achieving business objectives and driving growth.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices in food production, quality assurance, and safety standards.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment is a plus.
• Data analysis skills to evaluate operational performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.