Chief Operating Officer

4 weeks ago


London, United Kingdom Modern Synthesis Full time

Modern Synthesis is crafting the next generation of biomaterials by connecting the dots between biology, material science and design. We’re on a mission to create sustainable materials which reduce the fashion industry’s dependence on petrochemicals - without sacrificing performance or creativity. Our first material, which is grown by bacteria, is fully biodegradable and astonishingly strong. You can read more about it on our website .

We believe that big magic happens when disparate disciplines, perspectives and ideas collide. As a team of biologists, chemists, designers, engineers, business experts, robots and microbes, we get to witness this magic on a daily basis. From our strong culture of debate (hot takes always welcome ️) to our bi-weekly deep dives, we intentionally embed collaboration and growth into everything we do.

We hire people, not roles, so we can be flexible on scope. We strongly encourage you to apply if you think you’re qualified for a portion of this role, and can demonstrate a proven ability to take on new skills and challenges.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our leadership team. You’ll help propel us to new heights as we embark on the next growth stage of our business. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will have a pivotal role in setting and executing our operational strategy and fostering innovation in our manufacturing process. You will be at the forefront of leading a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of material technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development and execution of the company's operational strategy, ensuring alignment with our mission and vision

Build and manage a high-performing team across various functions, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration

Oversee end-to-end operations, with an immediate focus on scaling our manufacturing, supply chain, and quality control

Proactively and collaboratively work with the CEO and CTO to define short-term and long-term growth objectives, translating them into actionable plans

Drive operational excellence through data-driven decision-making, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives

Develop and manage strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance our competitive position in the biomaterials industry

Champion a culture of excellence, safety, sustainability, and compliance in all operational activities

Report to Investors and Board by providing operational insights and strategies

Job requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Proven track record of 5+ years in senior leadership role(s), with experience of growing and leading a team in a manufacturing setting

Expert understanding of manufacturing processes

Experience in scaling operations, with a passion for innovation and disruption

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, adept at turning challenges into opportunities

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage with employees and stakeholders at all levels

Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and make decisions in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The following skills and experience are not required for the role, but would be beneficial for a successful applicant:

Experience in a pre-revenue Startup or rapid-growth organisation

Experience working in textiles, composites, or coatings industries

A passion for innovation within the fashion/textiles industry

BENEFITS:

Company pension scheme

Private Health Insurance, including vision and stipends

Enhanced Parental Leave Policy

Hybrid working arrangements & flexible working hours

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Dog-friendly office in South West London

Support from world class investors and advisors

OUR VALUES

Co-Culture - We Co-Culture Change

Co-Culture reflects our commitment to cross-pollination internally and externally, our ability to lean on one another, and our role as a catalyst in both business and culture.

Growth - We Put Growth on a Pedestal

Growth speaks to our inspiration and creative use of biology, our bias towards impact and scale, and our dedication to empowering industry to ‘grow up’ from a harmful past.

By Design - We Do It All By Design

By Design articulates the intentionality, empathy and creativity built into every aspect of our work. It also denotes the importance of accountability and our adherence to core design thinking principles.

OUR HIRING PROCESS

Round 0 . Apply online

Round 1 . 30 minute phone interview where we’ll dive into your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis

Round 2 . 1 hour skills interview where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role

Round 3 . 1 hour on-site interview where you’ll present to our panel and we’ll discuss how work at Modern Synthesis aligns with your values and future plans

Round 4 . An on-site informalcultural-fit interview where you will meet with members of our team and discuss working at Modern Synthesis

MODERN SYNTHESIS ED&I STATEMENT

Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. The greatest ideas stem from a variety of perspectives, and an environment that supports equal representation and opportunities for all.

We are committed to driving global change. We only have one planet we all call home, and we need to work together to protect it. We believe in collaboration and a culture of debate. Disagreements are a chance to refocus our direction. We call this co-culture.

We welcome people of all races, genders, religions, ages, backgrounds, and abilities to our workplace and are committed to ensuring all our employees are safe, heard, represented and provided with every opportunity to thrive.

Equally we will act with integrity, purpose and respect in everything we do. We too are human. We will likely make mistakes and need to continue evolving our approach to ED&I as the world around us changes.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • London, United Kingdom Trace Full time

    **Chief Operating Officer, £70,000, Central London and Hybrid** We are partnering exclusively with an award-winning dance company to help them find a new Chief Operating Officer. This is a newly created role to sit in the senior leadership team and take the reins on finance and operations and guide the Chief Exec with their future ambitions. You will be a...


  • London, United Kingdom eRecruitSmart Full time

    **About the company **Our client is a renowned charity and leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. They are here for everyone who has a professional connection to information, knowledge, data and libraries, and shares their beliefin their power to change lives whose purpose is to unite, support and empower information...


  • London, United Kingdom eRecruitSmart Full time

    **About the company **Our client is a renowned charity and leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. They are here for everyone who has a professional connection to information, knowledge, data and libraries, and shares their belief in their power to change lives whose purpose is to unite, support and empower...


  • London, United Kingdom Rambert Full time

    **Chief Operating Officer**: Closes Monday 1st May at 10am The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the Rambert Executive Team, supporting the Chief Executive and working collaboratively with other Executive team colleagues in the leadership and management of Rambert. The COO provides strategic leadership on all areas of finance and operations...


  • London, United Kingdom NFP People Full time

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer to join the team in this hybrid-working role.Location: Central London, WC2A 3PE/HybridHours: Full timeContract: PermanentThe closing date for applications is the 24th May, and 1st interviews will take place the week after. 2nd interviews will take place in early June.About the RoleThe team...


  • London, United Kingdom NFP People Full time

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer to join the team in this hybrid-working role. Location: Central London, WC2A 3PE/Hybrid Hours: Full time Contract: Permanent The closing date for applications is the 24th May , and 1st interviews will take place the week after. 2nd interviews will take place in early June. About the...


  • London, United Kingdom NFP People Full time

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer to join the team in this hybrid-working role. Location: Central London, WC2A 3PE/Hybrid Hours: Full time Contract: Permanent The closing date for applications is the 24th May , and 1st interviews will take place the week after. 2nd interviews will take place in early June. About the...


  • London, United Kingdom NFP People Full time

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer to join the team in this hybrid-working role. Location: Central London, WC2A 3PE/Hybrid Hours: Full time Contract: Permanent The closing date for applications is the 24th May , and 1st interviews will take place the week after. 2nd interviews will take place in early June. About...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title & Escrow Insurance Agency, Inc. Full time

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements.The position is commutable to Central West London with an option...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title Full time €15

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements.  The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title Full time

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements.  The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title & Escrow Insurance Agency, Inc. Full time €15

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements. The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title & Escrow Insurance Agency, Inc. Full time €15

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements. The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title & Escrow Insurance Agency, Inc. Full time

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements. The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title & Escrow Insurance Agency, Inc. Full time

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements.The position is commutable to Central West London with an option...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title & Escrow Insurance Agency, Inc. Full time €15

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements. The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title Full time €15

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements.  The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Preferred Title & Escrow Insurance Agency, Inc. Full time €15

    Are you a Chief Operating Officer or Managing Director looking for a new challenge in London? Circa £15M Revenue, from a total staff of less than 20, this independent, rapidly growing company is in the mindfulness, wellness, consumer goods and personal growth space with celebrity endorsements. The position is commutable to Central West London with an...


  • London, United Kingdom Rambert Full time

    Chief Operating Officer, £70-75,000, Central London and HybridTrace are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Rambert, an award winning dance company, to help them find a new Chief Operating Officer. This role sits in the senior leadership team and will take the reins on finance, HR and facilities and guide the Chief Exec with their future ambitions....


  • London, United Kingdom Austin International Full time

    A coveted opportunity to join a global luxury goods and media organisation as a Chief Operating Officer, sitting within one of their luxury goods brands.Location: Hybrid working - office located in central LondonCompetitive Salary: £125,000 to £175,00 (DOE)Role DescriptionSpearhead the development and implementation of strategic plans, providing...