Principal Scientist, Strain Development
Zymochem
About ZymoChem
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. Our platform is powered by proprietary carbon conserving (C2) microbes that convert renewable feedstocks into high-value materials while radically minimizing CO2 loss during the production phase.
ZymoChem recently closed a $21 million Series A round of fundraising to support the launch of our first high-performance material and to advance our first partnered product to commercial scale. In addition to this funding from premier domestic & international venture capital firms, we are also supported by existing revenues from commercial partnerships with world-leading companies and funding from multiple government awards, including a 2023 $4MM grant from the Department of Energy.
With a plan to double our team in 2024-25, we seek 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, and products industry in tune with the 21st century.
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 Director of Supply Chain will oversee the supply chain operations of the ZymoChem consumer brands division. This position will be critical in the development of our consumer products’ supply chain by enhancing our capabilities in sourcing, vendor selection & management, supply & demand planning, and distribution of finished goods. To generate value, this position will lead the full, end-to-end supply chain.
This position is highly collaborative and reports to the Vice President of Marketing / General Manager of Consumer Products, while also working closely with cross-functional leads, the Leadership Team, Investors, our Board of Directors, strategic external partners, and other stakeholders. As the consumer brands division scales, the responsibilities of the Director of Supply Chain will also evolve and move from initial build out responsibilities to broad oversight of the division including team management, strategic thinking, and relationship building with business collaborators.
Responsibilities
- Build a robust supply chain network to enable the rapid acceleration of a portfolio of consumer brands and products.
- Develop and implement key strategies to achieve both corporate goals and related departmental KPIs.
- Direct the development of the raw ingredients, packaging, manufacturing, and third-party logistics networks.
- Select and aid in the deployment and future improvements of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
- Leverage analytics to align with overall supply chain strategy.
- Ensure performance is measured and driven across the supply chain and with external parties to achieve high plan attainment metrics.
- Establish and maintain regular cadence of strategy reviews (e.g., Sales & Operations Planning, Inventory Management updates, Material Requirements Planning).
- Work collaboratively and foster relationships with key internal operational teams and external stakeholders.
- Deploy capital in an efficient, value-added manner and own cost-savings initiatives.
- Make critical decisions and judgment calls even when complete information may not be available.
- Wear many hats in scaling the supply chain while utilizing a generalist approach, learning, adapting quickly, and supporting the team as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Engineering, or Manufacturing/ Operational Management. Advanced degree preferred.
- At least 10 years of experience across supply chain & production operations (e.g., S&OP, procurement, production scheduling, etc.) in the consumer-packaged goods industry. APICS certifications are also highly valued.
- A broad professional network of industry leaders, manufacturing partners, and effective technology platforms is desired.
- Previous experience working in a start-up environment preferred.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and external resources, partners, and vendors.
- Strong change management and leadership skills.
- History of building and improving process efficiency and fiduciary responsibility.
- Experience partnering with brand and R&D teams throughout a stage-gate process on product development (innovation and renovation).
- Effective, persuasive verbal / written communication and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets, to understand financial scenarios and to exercise strong decision-making.
- Ability to move up to 20 lbs. of material on an occasional basis.
- Availability to travel to offices, partners, and vendor locations approximately 10% of the time.
Culture and Benefits
ZymoChem offers full-time employees a competitive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company culture that’s collaborative, multidisciplinary, and committed to a big vision for positively impacting the world. We seek candidates who are motivated by our mission and are equally passionate toward pushing the boundaries to build a sustainable future.
This role is a hybrid position with access to a co-working, collaborative space in Burlington, VT in addition to the headquarters offices.
Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with:
- Competitive salary range of $150,000 to $175,000 depending on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package includes company stock options, 401(k) retirement plan (includes a corporate match), medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage, and life and long-term disability insurance.
- Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance.
- Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 10 paid company holidays per year.
- Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well.
If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter through our website job posting.
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.