Join to apply for the Head of Manufacturing role at 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 6,6 waste at the multi‑tonne level, we will imminently complete construction on our larger demo facility. The material produced will be used in garments for some of the world’s biggest brands, and also in components for some of the world’s largest car companies.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Ensure 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 corrective / preventive actions (CAPA)
• 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 work‑week structure and shift patterns—and scale to extended‑hour or multi‑shift operations when needed, while preserving quality, safety and compliance
• 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
• 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; coordinate with third‑party vendors, commercial partners and service providers; 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
• Manage and develop production team members, providing coaching, training and support

Qualifications

• 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

• 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 10 am to 4 pm
• Cycle to work scheme
• The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable
• Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks
• Onsite gym

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Production