Head of Manufacturing

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 enzymatic recycling processes that transform 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 we will imminently complete construction on our larger demo facility. 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.

As Head of Manufacturing at Epoch you will:

Process Operation s

• Lead daily production at our pilot and demo plant facilities
• Develop implement and continuously improve production processes and SOPs
• Plan monitor performance troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth execution for production campaigns against clearly defined timelines
• Operational compliance: environmental permitting waste handling certification of our output
• Establish a scalable Quality Management System (policies SOPs records) that meets our regulatory obligations and brings discipline to how we generate store review and act on data
• Perform root-cause investigations for deviations / non-conformances to identify what went wrong and what corrective / preventive actions (CAPA) are needed
• Establish feedstock and production traceability from incoming materials through each production run including documenting batch records
• General reporting on production process performance metrics
• Plan capacity - including workweek structure and shift patterns - and scale to extended-hour or multi-shift operations when needed while preserving quality safety and compliance

Health & Safety

• Take direct ownership of health and safety across all production activities
• Ensure compliance with internal policies regulatory requirements and industry best practices
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability across the team

Feedstock and Inventory Managemen t

• In conjunction with the Feedstock Procurement Manager oversee feedstock receipt handling and storage across pilot and demo sites
• Track inventory levels for raw materials consumables and finished product
• Work with procurement and operations teams to ensure supply continuity and cost-effectiveness

Vendor & Stakeholder Managemen t

• Coordinate with third-party vendors commercial partners and service providers supporting production activities
• Coordinate with internal R&D teams for tech transfer of modifications to the process
• Act as a strong Epoch representative maintaining excellent relationships with commercial partners and suppliers

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop production team members providing coaching training and support
• Foster a high-performance safety-conscious culture

Essential qualifications and experience

• Degree in chemical engineering or related field
• 10 years experience in a production operations or plant management role within a chemical or industrial processing-oriented industry
• Strong knowledge of process safety operational best practices and regulatory compliance
• Experience scaling from pilot/demo plants to commercial operations is highly desirable
• Excellent organisational and project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities
• Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma PM methodologies is a bonus
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with team members from across R&D commercial and operations

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
• Tech 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

We are always in the process of reviewing and implementing further on-the-job perks!