ManufacturingResearch & DevelopmentSourcing / Vend ComplianceSupply Chain
Mid to Senior Level (Management)
HEAD OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
This is a fast-growing materials innovation company focused on replacing materials like plastic and leather with plant-based alternatives. They innovate industry-defining chemistries in our Los Angeles lab and create low-carbon materials made from plants, supplying them to large companies within industries like automotive, fashion, furniture, and beyond. Using a two-pronged business model, we create both materials as well as our own consumer goods and provide solutions for companies looking to incorporate sustainable materials into their products.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Manufacturing Operations to lead the commercialization of advanced materials and rolled goods, ensuring they meet customer requirements while adhering to the highest manufacturing standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on experience in manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and collaboration with external partners. This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive innovation, optimize production efficiency, and bring the most advanced and high-quality products to our customers.
Location: Los Angeles (On-Site) with required travel to partners, factories, and suppliers worldwide.
Key Responsibilities: Commercialization of Material Innovations:
- Collaborate with internal Innovation lab and production teams to assess customer requirements to bring our advanced, plant-based materials to market
- Work closely with external partners, including polymer synthesis and scaling-up companies, compounders and mills, to develop and refine manufacturing processes that meet quality standards and production goals
- Oversee the entire commercialization process for new dry polyurethane coatings and/or Thermoplastics developments from concept to final product launch, ensuring timely execution and alignment with business objectives
Quality Management and Six Sigma Standards:
- Implement and maintain best-in-class manufacturing practices, including Six Sigma or other performance standards, to optimize production efficiency and product quality
- Establish quality control procedures and performance metrics to monitor manufacturing processes and identify areas for improvement
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive cost savings
Vendor Management and Partnership Development:
- Identify and evaluate potential external partners, including compounders, mills, and other manufacturing facilities, to ensure they meet top-tier manufacturing capabilities and quality standards
- Negotiate contracts and establish mutually beneficial partnerships to support the commercialization process and enhance production capabilities
- Foster strong relationships with external partners to drive collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- Monitor production output, quality metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress against manufacturing goals and objectives
- Generate regular reports and analysis to provide insights into operational performance, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions as needed
- Present findings and recommendations to senior management to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Requirements:
- Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of scaling manufacturing and supply chain in polymer industries
- Polymer manufacturing industry experience: synthesis and thermos processing of thermoplastic resins and/or formulation and curing of thermosets
- Experience with synthesis and processing of biobased-elastomers is a plus
- Strategic thinker with a proven track record for growing revenue through manufacturing and supply chain expansion
- Expert negotiator with high EQ and experience managing factory relationships, vendors, and partnerships resulting in dynamic revenue growth
- Ability to manage cross functional teams to deliver on business goals and drive business improvements across the business
- Experience of introducing or being audited to ISO9001 / IATF-16949
Experience of Automotive style:
- PFMEA, Control Plan, APQP, PPAP / PSW and problem-solving tools such as 8D, 5Y
- Lean/Six-Sigma
- Must have excellent English language skills and be computer literate
- MBA; Business, Supply Chain Management; Polymer or Materials related degree
All Candidates must be able to provide work related references.
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