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Site Leader

Union, South Carolina, United States

We’re on a journey to Grow the Future of Materials. How? By unlocking the unique properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Our patented technology, Fine Mycelium™, unleashes a new class of materials crafted from nature, engineered for performance, and built for a resilient future.We’re seeking passionate learners to join us in pioneering a materials revolution and creating an epic place to work.

MycoWorks offers competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all our employees.We root our relationships with our partners and one another in our core values: Be Mycelial, Cultivate Quality, and Grow the Future, and we're committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. Women, gender expansive individuals, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

The Site Leader will play a crucial role in the successful operation of MycoWorks’ new plant. This position ensures the biological health and operational integrity of mycelium-based production processes. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in industrial fungal or large scale fermentation operations, demonstrating a strong understanding of fungal mycology, fermentation, environmental monitoring, aseptic practices, and data analysis. This role will involve developing and implementing protocols and systems to maintain optimal biological conditions.

 

Additionally, the role involves troubleshooting biological issues, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring all practices comply with internal and external standards. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements and leading initiatives to enhance the scalability and sustainability of biological operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Operations Leader and other department leads, contributing to the overall success and growth of MycoWorks.

 

Responsibilities:

 

Overall Plant Leadership:

  • Provide strategic leadership and direction for the entire plant, ensuring both operational efficiency and the biological integrity of production processes.
  • Collaborate with the Operations Leader and other department leads to integrate biological management practices with overall plant operations including the development of validation protocols.
  • Drive plant performance to meet production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements, with a focus on maintaining the biological health of mycelium-based operations.

Operational Excellence:

  • Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including biological production processes
  • Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize both biological and mechanical aspects of production, enhancing product quality and reducing costs.

Biological Systems Management:

  • Lead the implementation and optimization of biological processes, ensuring the health and stability of mycelium and other biological systems.
  • Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for biological operations, including fermentation, environmental monitoring and aseptic practices

Cross-Functional Integration:

  • Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to integrate biological processes into the plant's operational framework.
  • Lead efforts to set up, validate, and scale biological systems and processes, ensuring alignment with plant and corporate objectives.

Team Leadership and Development:

  • Build and manage a high-performing team with expertise in biological operations, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability.
  • Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities, ensuring the team is skilled in fungal mycology, fermentation processes, and aseptic techniques.

Compliance and Risk Management:

  • Ensure the plant operates in compliance with all biological, safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
  • Conduct regular audits and inspections of biological systems, implementing risk management strategies to address potential biological hazards and ensure operational integrity.

Financial Performance and Reporting:

  • In partnership with Plant Finance Manager, manage the plant's budget, focusing on optimizing costs associated with biological and mechanical operations.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive reports on plant performance, including biological health metrics, production outcomes, and financial results, to senior leadership and the board of directors.

Strategic Planning and Innovation:

  • Develop and implement long-term strategies for plant growth, with a focus on advancing biological processes, scalability, and sustainability.
  • Lead projects aimed at improving the plant’s technological capabilities, particularly in areas related to fermentation, bioprocessing, and environmental control systems.

Biological Issue Resolution:

  • Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve biological issues, implementing corrective actions to maintain optimal production conditions.
  • Utilize data analysis to monitor biological performance, driving improvements in efficiency, scalability, and product quality.

 

Qualifications:

 

  • 10+ years of experience in plant operations management, with a strong background in biological production processes, particularly in the biotech or mycology sectors.
  • Proven track record of managing large-scale production facilities with an emphasis on maintaining biological integrity.
  • Deep knowledge of fungal mycology, fermentation processes, and environmental control systems.
  • Expertise in implementing and optimizing biological systems, SOPs, and quality control measures specific to biological production.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead teams focused on both biological and mechanical operations.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans that align with corporate objectives, particularly in advancing biological production capabilities.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with a focus on resolving complex biological and operational challenges.
  • Ability to analyze data from biological systems and implement solutions that enhance plant performance and product quality.
  • Exceptional communication skills, capable of effectively interacting with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders.
  • Strong ability to collaborate across departments, particularly in integrating biological processes with other plant operations to achieve common goals.

 

Physical Requirements

 

Physical Demand

Frequency

Stand or Sit (stationary position)

Frequently to Constantly

Walk (move/traverse)

Occasionally to Frequently 

Dexterity (use hands/fingers to handle/feel)

Frequently to Constantly

Climb (stairs/ladders) or Balance

Seldom to Occasionally

Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, Crawl

Seldom to Occasionally

Talk/Hear (communicate/convey/discern)

Frequently to Constantly

See (observe/identify/inspect/perceive/assess)

Frequently to Constantly

Lift, Carry, Push, Pull (move/transport/install/remove)

Up to 25 lbs, Occasionally to Frequently / Up to 50 lbs, Seldom to Occasionally

Exposure to Work Environments

Working near loud machinery, Occasionally to Frequently 





MycoWorks offers world class benefits and compensation programs to support the health, well-being and financial empowerment of our employees. Our benefits include:

  • Medical, Vision and Dental plans at no cost to employees
  • Equity
  • Optional insurance coverage for partners and dependents
  • FSA Accounts
  • Free Personal Health Advocate
  • Generous PTO policy
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays beyond the traditional
  • 401(k) program

MycoWorks may contact you via text message regarding your application for this or similar opportunities. You can always text STOP to opt out.

This employment is contingent upon receiving applicable background check results, including drug screening, that meet standards based upon the job duties and business necessity, as well as passing a degree or license verification required for the position.

In our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we recognize the importance of accommodating individual needs. If you require any specific accommodations during the application or interview process, please feel free to let us know. We are dedicated to facilitating a comfortable and accessible experience for all candidates, and will work with you to ensure your needs are met.

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