Director of Operations - Envera

Envera LIC, LLC; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Envera LIC, LLC in West Chester, PA is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee and optimize manufacturing processes. This leadership role involves driving operational excellence and ensuring high-quality product delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background with at least 10 years of relevant experience in sectors like biotech or manufacturing. Responsibilities also include managing a team of 20-25 employees and leading strategic growth initiatives. A commitment to safety and operational efficiency is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in a technical leadership role.
• Extensive experience in Biotech, High-tech, Probiotics, or Feed Manufacturing.
• Proven track record of performance improvement in production sites.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize entire manufacturing operations.
• Drive operational excellence and improve efficiency.
• Lead a team of 20-25 employees across two shifts.

Skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Team-building

Communication

Decision-making

Education

Advanced degree in engineering, biotechnology, or related field

Job description

SUMMARY

For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing the power of microorganisms to transform industries from baking to healthcare. As a key global player, we've built a presence in 96 countries, employing 11,000 passionate innovators who share our unwavering commitment to excellence.

BUSINESS UNIT OVERVIEW

Envera

Envera develops and manufactures innovative microbial solutions to help clients achieve their business goals across a wide range of applications. From wastewater treatment for municipalities and industry to cleaning solutions for household and commercial use, Envera's products leverage the power of microbes to address challenges in bioremediation, water quality management, and solid waste treatment. Through the discovery, isolation, and industrial application of bacteria, Envera offers high‑performing and sustainable products that benefit the lives of humans, animals, and plants. The company's mission is to leverage the power of microbes to create a more sustainable future.

Position Overview

The Director of Operations is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing the entire manufacturing operations of the organization. The Director of Operations is accountable for driving operational excellence, improving efficiency, and ensuring the seamless production and delivery of high‑quality products. As a key member of our executive leadership team, you will lead and direct strategic growth initiatives and contribute to the development of groundbreaking solutions.

IDEAL CANDIDATE OVERVIEW

Principal Duties

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety‑first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs.
• Manages and develops all manufacturing functions; fermentation, drying, formulation, blending, utilities, maintenance, lean manufacturing and regular CAPEX implementation.
• Oversees all product manufacturing and optimization:
• People and asset safety standards.
• Quality performance (all products manufactured match applicable quality standards).
• Cost optimization.
• Maintenance for site and high level of OEE (overall equipment efficiency).
• Leads a team of 20‑25 employees organized over two shifts.
• Identifies and evaluates emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in the industry to maintain our manufacturing on a competitive edge.
• Collaborates cross‑functionally with business development, Quality, R&D and marketing teams to ensure seamless integration of technical capabilities.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge‑sharing within the technical team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in engineering, biotechnology, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in a technical leadership role within the environmental industry.
• Extensive experience in Biotech, High‑tech, Probiotics or Feed Manufacturing industries is required.
• Proven track record of successfully driving performance and improvement of production site.
• Exceptional problem‑solving, critical thinking, and decision‑making skills.
• Results‑oriented, energetic, resourceful, with a strong service orientation and positive can‑do attitude. Continually striving for excellence.
• Balance multiple tasks and prioritize workload in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to navigate change and resolve conflict in a professional manner.
• Strong project management and team‑building capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel 10% of the time.

Core Lesaffre Competencies

• Drives individual development: supports one's and people's development; deals with complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity.
• Drives team efficiency and energy: manages team efficiency and manages change.
• Manages by example: maintain a professional attitude in all circumstances.
• Visioning: sets the vision and defines strategies.
• Inspiring: engages through a meaningful purpose; influences by a strong personal impact and convictions.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee will be required to bend, twist and use stairs/ladders. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 55 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particulates; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; and extreme heat. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level requires the use of hearing protection in certain specified areas.