Head of Manufacturing Operations, Polymer Materials

Head of Manufacturing Operations

Who We Are:

Science-driven and research-backed material innovation company

creating high-performance materials from plants to replace all leather and plastic.

Founded by award-winning designer from the auto industry, company specializes in making pioneering materials that truly look and feel like leather but are derived from environmentally friendly plant-based and recycled materials.

This company is a materials innovation juggernaut. Getting the attention of consumers and corporations alike, as major retailers, fashion houses, and automotive companies explore the possibilities of incorporating lookalike leather with a low carbon footprint into their product lines. The incredible potential here is analogous to the rise of plant-based milk and meat alternatives, which have steadily grabbed market share and significantly shifted the public’s attitudes and habits.

Highlights:

· Since developing its first proprietary alt-leather in 2016, the company has gone rapidly from proof-of-concept (flourishing online sales of handbags, wallets, and belts) to securing major deals, such as designing tech accessories for Apple.

· While appearing to be soft, premium leather, the company’s materials have greater impermeability to stains, water, and scuffs at 1/4 the price.

· Working at here involves meaningful purpose, aimed at achieving real climate-change solutions. The company is seriously committed to sustainability—constantly evolving its formulations to minimize carbon footprint.

Innovation - Leading breakthrough, plant-based material science technology.

Materials - Supplying performance-driven, low carbon materials to large industries.

Products - Designing inspired products made with our materials and technologies.

Role Overview:

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.

MUST HAVE manufacturing experience in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) / thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)/ polyamides (Nylon)/ polyesters such as PET, PBT, PBS, or PLA.

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:

● Manufacturing experience in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) / thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)/ polyamides (Nylon)/ polyesters such as PET, PBT, PBS, or PLA.

● Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of scaling manufacturing and supply

chain in polymer industries.

● Polymer manufacturing industry experience: synthesis and thermoprocessing 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.

Relevant Degrees:

MBA; Business, Supply Chain Management; Polymer or Materials related degree.