Head of Polymer Technology (Biomaterials)

Company Description

Zerocircle is an award-winning startup based in Pune that specializes in creating ocean-safe materials from seaweed. We are committed to developing bio-alternatives to everyday products and enabling organizations to adopt circular solutions.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role as the Head of Technical Operations at Zerocircle in Pune. As the Head of Technical Operations, you will be responsible for managing day-to-day technical operations, including team management, operations management, technical support, project management, and team leadership.

Responsibilities:

Lead and manage the technical operations team, including researchers, engineers, and technicians, to achieve project goals and objectives.

Develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to drive the development, scale-up, and commercialization of seaweed-based materials and products.

Oversee the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of polymer processing techniques and manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, consistency, and efficiency.

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, product development, supply chain, and marketing, to align technical efforts with business objectives and market needs.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Establish and maintain partnerships with external stakeholders, including suppliers, vendors, academic institutions, and industry organizations, to support technical innovation and knowledge exchange.

Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitive developments in polymer processing and sustainable materials, and apply insights to drive innovation and differentiation.

Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field; advanced degree (Master's or PhD) preferred.

Minimum of 10 years of experience in polymer processing, with a focus on materials development, scale-up, and manufacturing operations.

Proven track record of leadership and success in leading technical teams and driving complex projects from concept to commercialization.

Expertise in polymer processing techniques, including extrusion, compounding, molding, and film formation, with hands-on experience in process optimization and troubleshooting.

Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, rheology, and material properties, with the ability to apply technical knowledge to solve practical problems and drive innovation.

Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and deliver results on time and within budget.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship, with a commitment to advancing eco-friendly solutions and reducing plastic waste.

Relevant skills and qualifications that would be beneficial for this role include:

Experience in the manufacturing industry, particularly in sustainable materials and circular solutions

Knowledge of seaweed-based materials and their applications

Background in engineering or a related field