Operations Manager

Overview

Final date to receive applications: 23 February 2026

Department: Network Planning and Operational Structure

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hayward, CA

Reporting To: Pilot Facility Manager

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 / year

Description: The Operations Manager will lead the operations team at BioMADE’s Hayward pilot plant facility. This pilot plant will help bridge a gap in the domestic biotech industry (non-pharma), providing clients with emerging fermentation technologies the ability to demonstrate upstream and downstream processes at a scale which supports future commercial scale design. The Operations Manager will work closely with site process engineers and shift supervisors, laying a foundation to safely and successfully execute client objectives at a high level of excellence.

The foundation will require excellent procedures, batch records, training, staff development, and clear communication.

The Operations Manager will develop systems which guide operations personnel to execute consistently and safely, empowering success. The Operations Manager will foster a collaborative environment, encouraging team members to use their talents, abilities, and observations to improve site safety and consistency in operational execution. The Operations Manager will advocate and lead a Zero-Harm safety culture, encouraging full engagement and participation in safety programs.

Client processes will be operated in a manner to deliver product and data that meet client expectations, building client trust in BioMADE’s capabilities. The Operations Manager reports to the Hayward Facility Manager and will work closely with the site Analytical/Quality Manager, Maintenance Planner, Logistics Supervisor, and Process Engineers. The Operations Manager will also work closely with and receive support from other members of the Pilot Plant Network.

• Safety:
  • Work closely with EHS Manager and Facility Manager to develop and implement site safety policies and permits, ensuring operations personnel receive and understand required training.
  • Advocate a Zero Harm safety culture
  • Openly discuss and understand team members safety concerns and develop plans to address the concerns in a timely manner.
  • Strongly advocate Job Safety Analysis and Pre-task briefs with clear stop work criteria
• Lead the development of SOPs, batch records, checklists, troubleshooting guides, data displays, DCS displays, etc. that will serve as tools to equip and empower personnel to consistently succeed in a technically demanding environment.
• Training:
  • Lead the development of training documents and programs for all unit operations, building on fundamental principles towards a more advanced understanding of the equipment as well as integrated process design.
  • Lead the development of training documents on design and operational strategies used to achieve aseptic operation in the fermentation area, ensuring team members understand these strategies.
  • Ensure personnel are trained on process flows and protocols for each specific client, with clear expectations for support if deviations occur which could impact meeting client objectives.
• The Hayward Pilot plant facility is currently in a construction phase with completion in early 2027. While the initial focus will be on generating safety and training documentation, at Start-Up, the Operations Manager will lead a team of shift supervisors. The Operations Manager will establish clear roles/responsibilities/expectations for shift supervisors.
• Operations Manager will be responsible for establishing the daily/weekly production schedule, ensuring the team and plant equipment are ready to execute against said schedule. The Operations Manager will also be involved in troubleshooting efforts when equipment and processes deviate from normal conditions.
• Maintenance and Reliability:
  The Operations Manager will manage the execution of the preventive maintenance plan and reactive maintenance for the Hayward facility and will be responsible for the maintenance budget. A Maintenance Technician will report to the Operations Manager and assist with planning and coordinating maintenance activities with…