The Role
Lead and build ZymoChem's contract manufacturing function, manage CMO partnerships, enable tech transfer and scale-up, drive operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement, oversee budgets and vendor relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver commercial bioproduct supply.
Summary Generated by Built In
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 true zero-carbon economy.
Backed by $65M in funding from global leaders including lululemon, Toyota Ventures, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is scaling rapidly. With our Series B anticipated in early 2026, we are expanding across all teams to accelerate the commercialization 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. If you are motivated by advancing science, addressing climate-scale challenges, and shaping the future of sustainable materials, ZymoChem offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
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.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
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.
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 true zero-carbon economy.
Backed by $65M in funding from global leaders including lululemon, Toyota Ventures, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is scaling rapidly. With our Series B anticipated in early 2026, we are expanding across all teams to accelerate the commercialization 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. If you are motivated by advancing science, addressing climate-scale challenges, and shaping the future of sustainable materials, ZymoChem offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
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.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in (Bio)chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline
- MS or other advanced degree
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in biomanufacturing chemicals and materials at commercial scale (1000s TPA)
- 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
- Proven experience in the biotechnology or chemical manufacturing industry, including direct experience working with CMOs
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills including fluency in English and local language
- Commitment to sustainability and innovative problem-solving
- Knowledge of technological trends to build strategy and conduct technological analysis and research
- Strong computer skills including MS Office and Google Suite
- Familiarity with Zoom, Visio, and Slack
- Comfortable working in a very dynamic start-up or small company environment and demonstrated passion for mission
- Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and ability to improvise work plans
- Ability to safely move up to 25lbs between locations
- Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures
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The Company
What We Do
ZymoChem is breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We accelerate the transition to a real-zero economy by developing bio-based materials for everyday products. Are you interested learning more about how our high performance biomaterials are replacing petrochemical ingredients? We are seeking candidates who are motivated by science & innovation and have a passion to push the boundaries of materials performance. We are collaborative, multidisciplinary, and relentlessly committed to creating a chemicals & materials industry in tune with the 21st century. If this sounds exciting, we want to hear from you!
