Senior Director of Contract Manufacturing

About ZymoChem

ZymoChem is pioneering breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We are building bio-based materials that make everyday products better for people and the planet, accelerating the world’s transition to a real zero-carbon economy. We develop specialty chemicals and high-performance materials from renewable feedstocks. Our proprietary bio-manufacturing platform delivers fossil-independent alternatives to petroleum-based materials, bringing decarbonization and supply chain resiliency to everyday goods. 

The company’s first commercial product, BAYSE™, is a bio-based, biodegradable, and microplastic-free superabsorbent polymer with traceable bio-based content and verifiable sustainability claims. 

Founded by leading scientists and engineers and backed by strategic investors and industry partners, ZymoChem is scaling rapidly to meet growing demand for sustainable materials. With funding from both financial and strategic investors like lululemon, Toyota, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is accelerating the commercialization and sales of our products.  

At ZymoChem, our culture is rooted in curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. We tackle complex scientific challenges with determination and succeed because of the strength of our diverse, multidisciplinary teams working toward a bold mission. As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, we hold ourselves accountable not only to scientific and commercial excellence, but also to creating measurable impact for people and the planet.

Our Mission: To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.
Our Vision: To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.
Our Values: Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably

Position Summary
The Senior Director of Contract Manufacturing will lead and oversee all site-specific manufacturing operations at ZymoChem’s contract manufacturing (CMO) partner, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and mission. This role involves strategic planning, process optimization, team building and leadership, partner/vendor management and ensuring operational excellence to drive growth, product quality, and sustainability. The Sr. Director of Contract Manufacturing will work closely with the R&D/Process Development teams for tech transfer, Product/Business Development teams for customer specs, and Supply Chain for planning, scheduling and logistics. Sr. Director of Contract Manufacturing will need to build and develop our manufacturing organization for successful integration of new technologies and processes and ensure quality products through the manufacturing operations.  The location is Vizag, India. 

Responsibilities

• Build and lead ZymoChem’s manufacturing division from the ground up, including establishing strategic external partnerships (with our contract manufacturing (CMO) partner) to ensure scalable production, meet market demand, and drive the commercial success of the company’s bioproducts.
• Collaborate closely with leaders and teams across Material Process Development, Bioprocess Development, and the emerging Product and Application Development teams to deliver commercial supply of existing products and seamlessly integrate new process, product and application innovations into scalable manufacturing processes.
• Lead FEL-2 and engineering design basis activities to enable manufacturing readiness of ZymoChem bioproducts.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely procurement of materials and negotiate cost-effective contracts.
• Lead the implementation of safety and environmental policies, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of manufacturing equipment and facilities to minimize downtime.
• Foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Represent the company in industry associations, trade shows, and community events.
• Prepare and manage the annual site-specific manufacturing budget, including capital expenditures and inventory levels.
• Drive quality performance, efficiency, and waste reduction through Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in (Bio)chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline; MS or other advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in biomanufacturing chemicals and materials at commercial scale (1000s TPA).
• Requires at least 5 years of experience managing teams and managers at a manufacturing site.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale manufacturing operations
• Proven track record of scaling new technologies from lab to commercial scale.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, process improvement, and quality management systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills including fluency in English and local language.  
• Proven experience in the biotechnology or chemical manufacturing industry, including direct experience working with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).
• Commitment to sustainability and innovative problem-solving.
• Knowledge of technological trends to build strategy and conduct technological analysis and research.
• Excellent communicator, able to communicate technical information and negotiate business partnerships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a very dynamic start-up or small company environment and demonstrated passion for our mission, vision and values.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills among many stakeholders and levels in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency
• Strong computer skills including MS Office, Google Suite, and familiarity with Zoom, Visio, and Slack preferred
• Ability to safely move up to 25lbs between locations
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures

Culture and Benefits
We are a mission-driven team building the future of sustainable materials. At ZymoChem, you’ll work on bold ideas with smart, collaborative people.  This position is located at our CMO site, so benefits will be based on country-specific employment standards and will include competitive compensation and benefits packages for the region.