Operations Manager

• Timing: The start date of this position is not yet finalized as it will coincide with the construction progress of our facility. We expect the incumbent will start in either Q3 or Q4 of 2026.

• Location: This position is based in Richmond, Indiana. The incumbent can work remotely initially but must be based in Richmond, Indiana full-time prior to the facility start-up (a competitive relocation package is available).

• Work schedule:

• • Primarily Monday to Friday
  • Evening and weekend on-call support is required
  • Some presence on-site at the facility on weekends is required; due to 24/7 operational schedule

Company Overview

Liberation Bioindustries is developing a global network of fit-for-purpose precision fermentation manufacturing facilities, starting with our launch facility in Richmond, IN. We build the critical infrastructure needed to produce novel bioproducts at scale and enable the precision fermentation market. Together, with our customers and partners, we use our innovative thinking and passion for manufacturing to make everyday products more affordable and more accessible. We believe that precision fermentation can unlock solutions that have real and lasting impact on the future of sustainability.

Our first facility in Richmond, IN is currently under construction with anticipated start-up in late 2026 or early 2027.

Our Purpose: Unlock the promise of biotech by commercializing the foods, materials, and other bioproducts of the future – today.

Our Vision: Become the preferred creation partner for the biology revolution trusted to deliver and constantly advance the manufacturing processes of the industry.

Our Mission: Design, build and operate a purpose-built precision fermentation platform with global reach so that visionaries can be entirely focused on advancing the potential of biology.

What we offer:

Liberation Bioindustries is committed to providing exciting career and growth opportunities in an environment that values trust, respect, openness, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels they have an equal opportunity to reach their potential and is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to Liberation Bioindustries.

Liberation Bioindustries provides competitive compensation, generous PTO, and comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid parental leave, and more. Employees participate in the company’s success through annual performance compensation incentives as well as the ESOP (employee share option program).

Join us as our Operations Manager

Reporting to the Site Director as a member of the site leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in leading the operations of our first biomanufacturing facility based in Richmond, Indiana. As a key operations leader for the facility, you will manage the day-to-day manufacturing, maintenance, and logistics of the facility.

Job Responsibilities:

• Under direction from the Site Director, manage day to day site operations, assisting in the achievement of key performance targets, through operational excellence, cost management, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.

• Manage the following functional areas and processes:

• • Manufacturing operations
  • Employee health and safety
  • Product quality and safety
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Quality management (in conjunction with the Manager, Quality and Site Director)
  • Facility and equipment maintenance

• Lead a team of Shift Supervisors:

• • Ensure adequate training, coaching, and development is available to employees
  • Conduct annual performance evaluations for direct reports and ensure that all Supervisors do the same for their employees

• Help manage industry-leading safety programs that meet regulatory requirements, company values and policies. Serve on the plant safety committee in conjunction with the on-site HR supervisor and other facility staff.

• Execute operational strategies by evaluating manufacturing operations trends; establish critical measurements; determine production, productivity, and customer-service strategies; resolve problems; implement change.

• Execute annual operating plans and budgets.

• Support the Site Director in unifying, connecting, and aligning the site with corporate standards, values, and expectations, including:

• • Maintaining open communication
  • Anticipating and preventing issues and/or conflicts
  • Resolving issues and/or conflicts
  • Championing corporate direction at the site level
  • Escalating site concerns and needs to corporate leadership

• Help maintain a positive, comfortable, and respectful culture among employees that is based on trust and respect.

• Support the implementation and management of continuous improvement programs at the site.

• Help execute strategies and tactics from the company senior leadership team.

• Support the management of key site projects and processes, including:

• • Implementation of production processes
  • ERP system implementation at the site-level

• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports Manage production planning and establish production priorities for products, including integration with supply chain and demand-planning

• Ensure production activities are logged and tracked in the company’s ERP system and actual production matches virtual production

• Build strong relationships and interface effectively with commercial, safety, accounting, legal, environmental, HR, engineering, QA/QC, and procurement teams

• Complete other duties as required

Job Requirements

• The incumbent must be based in Richmond, Indiana prior to the facility start-up.

• Post secondary education in a relevant discipline, including Engineering, Business, Sciences, etc. is preferred.

• 10+ years of experience working in manufacturing is required.

• 5+ years of experience working in a relevant industry is required, such as: biomanufacturing, chemical manufacturing, food production, pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• 5+ years of experience working in a manufacturing leadership position is required.

• Experience in fermentation is preferred.

• Previous experience starting up a manufacturing facility is preferred.

• Green Belt certification, or equivalent, as well as demonstration of Lean Six Sigma skills in a professional environment is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.

• Self-driven, collaborative, and results-oriented.

• Resilient, able to handle ambiguity, and enjoys the challenges and rewards of working for a start-up; prior experience in a start-up environment is an asset.

• Energized at the idea of helping to create and build a positive work culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Liberation Bio is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, and any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.

A friendly note to recruiting firms

We have this role covered at the moment; no additional support is required. We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.