Feedstock Procurement Manager
Feedstock Procurement Manager
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Job Description
Epoch Biodesign
Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable - starting with Nylon.
Using a unique combination of AI synthetic biology and green chemistry we are scaling an enzymatic recycling process that transforms unrecyclable plastics into new virgin quality materials. These processes yield substantial reductions in carbon emissions and prevent waste from entering landfill or the environment. They also generate disruptive unit economics allowing us to scale our solutions quickly to solve this urgent challenge.
With our pilot plant already processing Nylon 66 waste at the multi-tonne level well complete construction on our productionscale facility later this year. This will produce material that will be used in garments for some of the worlds biggest brands and also in components for some of the worlds largest car companies.
The Role
As our Feedstock Procurement Manager you will help us to secure the critical input materials required to scale our innovative recycling process. We aim to make a significant impact on reducing the 350 million tonnes of plastic waste which is discarded each year. This role will be vital to achieving that goal.
You will lead feedstock sourcing for all our upcoming recycling facilities around the world with an initial focus on Europe - home of our pilot demo and first-of-a-kind (FOAK) production locations.
This position will report directly to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and will work cross-functionally with Production Planning Business Development and Legal to ensure reliable cost-effective and compliant feedstock sourcing.
Key Responsibilities
Feedstock Availability Assessment
- Assume leadership of an ongoing project to map the total feedstock pool on a global basis (Sources of post-consumer and post-industrial synthetic fibre waste).
- Identify any supply gaps within our current understanding.
- Build a global view of feedstock sources - starting with Europe - then expanding across key textile production and waste regions.
Supplier Identification & Validation
- Establish a pipeline of feedstock suppliers across regions.
- Evaluate and validate suppliers; via meetings and in-person site visits.
- Validate supplier practices and ensure compliance with Textile Exchange standards (GRS MMS) and other regulatory requirements.
- Build long-term relationships with consolidators collectors recyclers and brand offtake partners.
- Prioritise feedstock suppliers to optimise for supply efficiency and diversification.
Negotiation & Contracting
- Negotiate commercial terms pricing and contract structures (binding agreements and MOUs).
- Develop innovative pricing models to maximise value with each supplier linked to composition quality volume etc.
- Review and optimise legal supply agreements in collaboration with legal counsel.
Logistics & Compliance
- Manage and optimise regional and global transportation flows including freight transit fees import duties and customs regulations.
- Ensure compliance with EU and international waste shipment regulations sustainability standards and safety requirements.
- Oversee feedstock inventory in collaboration with supply chain and finance teams to balance OWC with strategic reserves and optimal ordering.
- Manage storage and pre-processing (sorting shredding bailing etc).
Quality & Issue Management
- Define and communicate our desired specifications of waste fibre.
- Implement systems to monitor and ensure feedstock quality standards.
- Coordinate with processing teams to resolve quality or delivery issues.
- Communication with suppliers on feedstock quality issues.
- Ensure full traceability for certifications and customer confidence on a contract-by-contract basis.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Liaise with Production and Planning to balance feedstock flows against operational requirements.
- Collaborate with the Business Development team to align waste consolidator sourcing with offtake-linked supply from brand partners.
- Work directly with partner brands and industry bodies to help coordinate closed-loop takeback schemes to gain access to new streams.
- Ensure commercial and finance teams are engaged with current and projected feedstock costs.
Essential qualifications and experience
Experience
- 5 years in procurement supply chain or sourcing ideally within textiles recycling or waste management.
- Strong track record in supplier negotiation and contract management.
- Experience navigating logistics and regulatory frameworks for cross-border waste or raw material shipments.
Skills
- Excellent commercial negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Strong analytical capability to assess TAM cost structures and market dynamics.
- Familiarity with sustainability standards (GRS MMS) and compliance requirements.
- Effective cross-functional communicator and problem solver.
Languages
- English required.
- Knowledge of another language would be an advantage. Preferred: Chinese Vietnamese French or Spanish.
Location & Travel Requirements
- The position will primarily be split between our two main sites in Central and Greater London.
- There will be regular international travel required typically averaging a few days to one week per month.
Personal Attributes
- Self-starter autonomous and comfortable with a global remit and frequent travel.
- Resilient and pragmatic able to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution.
Benefits
Epoch Biodesign offers a comprehensive benefits program. At the moment this includes:
- A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)
- Meaningful EMI Share Options
- A non-contributory pension of 9% employer contribution
- Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality
- Group Income Protection
- Group Critical Illness
- Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm
- Cycle to work scheme
- The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable
On-the-job perks
- Complementary fresh fruit coffee tea and snacks
- Onsite gym
- Various staff social activities
And we are always in the process of reviewing and implementing further on-the-job perks!
Employment Type
Full Time
