Head of Manufacturing - Biomaterials Scale Up

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in biomaterials is seeking a Head of Manufacturing to join their Slough team. This role involves scaling innovative production processes, regulatory compliance, and building effective supply chains while aligning with sustainability goals. Candidates should possess experience in polymer processing, strong technical skills, and a proactive approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in scaling up manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of regulatory standards for new materials.
• Extensive experience leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead scale-up of manufacturing processes from lab to commercial production.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and documentation.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and logistics partners.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Technical skills

Education

Degree in Process Engineering

Degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

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Head of Manufacturing - Biomaterials Scale Up, Slough

Location: Slough, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

4

Posted:

31.05.2025

Expiry Date:

15.07.2025

Job Description:

By combining computational protein design, machine learning, and automation, we accelerate the development of innovative materials for a wide range of sectors, from fashion to medical textiles. Our novel protein-based fibres are designed to replace petrochemical-derived materials, offering a sustainable, biodegradable, and functional alternative for consumers, industry, and the planet.

Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and software developers comes from diverse backgrounds, all united by a passion for developing next-generation materials. We are now looking for a Head of Manufacturing (full-time, in-person) to join our growing team and play a central role in bringing our technology to scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team to the strategic direction and growth of the company.
• Report directly to the CEO and regularly update the Board on manufacturing strategy and progress.
• Scale-Up & Technology Transfer: Lead the transition of manufacturing processes from lab-scale to pilot and commercial production. Oversee selection and coordination with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) to ensure effective technology transfer.
• Line manage heads of the fibre spinning and strain engineering/bioprocess teams; manage partnerships with Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
• Build and maintain detailed supply chain models with financial projections for large-scale manufacturing.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners to ensure efficient and scalable production.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes align with sustainability goals, including waste minimisation, reduced energy and water usage, and circular economy principles.
• Regulatory Compliance: Oversee adherence to health, safety, environmental standards, REACH, and other relevant regulations across internal operations and outsourced manufacturing. Maintain required documentation, including SOPs, MSDS, batch records, and regulatory filings.
• Process Optimisation: Drive continuous improvement of industrial processes by applying statistical methods, process modelling, mass balance calculations, and experimental design to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience scaling up manufacturing processes, ideally in polymer processing and/or bioprocess manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of regulatory standards and quality systems for new materials and/or technical-grade bioprocessing.
• Excellent technical skills and analytical thinking.
• Proactive and self-driven with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Extensive experience in project management and leading technical teams.