Operations Director

Watercycle Technologies is looking for an experienced, highly motivated individual to head up our operations, working directly alongside the founders. We are looking for someone who is disciplined, agile and committed to building value into the company and is motivated to make a positive impact towards Net Zero.

About the company:

Watercycle Technologies is growing quickly and has a target to expand rapidly across a number of sectors and geographies over the next few years. To help us expand and build the business at the desired pace we are looking for a highly credible and effective individual to lead our Operations within the company.

The Operations Director is a critical hire in this early phase of the business and will be expected work in partnership with the founders to drive the operational performance. The candidate is expected to be flexible, creative and adaptable in approach as the needs of the role will develop as the business scales.

Key Areas of Responsibility include:

Operational Delivery

-        Overall responsibility for driving the operational activities of the organisation

-        Maintains, develops and holds team accountable to the execution plan (3 month, 12 month).

-        Key deliverables include:

§  Help to build out high quality technical, operational and commercial team

§  Oversee production of prototype DLE system

§  Develop supply chain model

§  Introduce and manage company processes and documentation

§  Oversee corporate functions development including for example marketing, brand and PR development

-        Supports the creation of a fast-paced culture recognising the transition from University spin-out to independent commercial organisation.

Building the Team

-        Supports the build out of the team, working alongside the founders on the key technical hires and supporting the onboarding/induction of the new employees

-        Leads the development of HR processes/system

-        Identify and specify required roles and resources for the business as it scales and manage longer-term resourcing and infrastructure / space requirements and plans.

Finances

-        Management of the day-to-day finances with support from advisors/partners and accountants

-        Develops finance processes/system to ensure efficient ongoing operations (invoicing, expenses, salary payments etc.) and management (reporting, forecasting etc.)

Reporting

-        Reports on operational performance, including performance against the project plan and the financial plan

Marketing

-        Responsible for establishing key marketing and communications activity for Watercycle Technologies. This includes the brand, website, social channels and PR.

Supply chain & Manufacturing

-        Leads external relationship development with contract manufacturers to support trial projects

-        Develop and document a high-level supply chain plan

-        Establish a protocol for make vs buy  

Strategy

-        Works with the founders and advisers on the ongoing development of the strategy and business plan

Process and System Development

-        Continued development of processes, procedures and adoption of systems to improve operational efficiency and drive cost out of the business (HR, Finance, CRM)

The Person

We are looking for a leader who can drive the growth of the company, challenge assumptions, make good decisions and create a strong and vibrant company culture.

Experience and Capabilities:

-        At least 3 years’ experience in an operational leadership role

-        Experience in project management and delivery

-        Experience in team recruitment and development

-        Able to demonstrate experience in delivering improved operational capabilities in an operations or project management role.

-        Sector-level experience in sustainability/climate change solutions is a benefit

-        Ability to work collaboratively with the founders, advisers, external partners and suppliers

-        High energy and drive

-        Able to engage and manage people to deliver required outcomes

-        Strong communication skills

-        The desire to succeed and drive to deliver results in a fast-moving, high performance environment

-        Strong numerical skills

-        Commercial awareness

-        Resilient and adaptable when faced with challenges and able to apply problem solving skills and creative thinking to overcome them.

Location & Hours

-        The position is based in the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre in Manchester.

-        Flexibility with home working outside core hours

-        Working 40 h/w, Monday to Friday

-        25 days holiday

-        3 month probation period

Perks

-        Competitive salary

-        Employee pension and benefits available following probation period

-        Employee share options scheme available following probation period.

-        Opportunity to make a big impact on a fast-growing company in a fast growing market.

-        Help to make a direct positive impact on climate change by commercialising sustainable lithium extraction technology.

-        Rapid career progression with access to highly experienced network of investors, advisors, business leaders and internationally renowned scientists.

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter to info@watercycletechnologies.com