Operations Manager

Location Edinburgh
Discipline: Carbogenics
Contact name: Sam Robson

Contact email: sam.robson@zero-global.com
Job ref: 219
Published: 11 months ago

Operations/Production Manager for biochar production 

Company: Carbogenics Ltd 

Location: Edinburgh and planned CreChar production site in Perth, Scotland   

Employment type: Full-time 

Zero Global are proud to be partnering with Carbogenics to support their mission to become the leading provider of sustainable bio-additives for the anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment industries, taking us one step closer to a Net Zero world.

Carbogenics is a rapidly growing start-up company in the cleantech sector. Our flagship product CreChar® enhances anaerobic digestion, removes odours and pollutants from wastewater and can be used as plant fertiliser, for soil amendment and for carbon sequestration. 
 

The company is looking for a civil, mechanical or chemical engineer, or an engineer from a neighbouring field such as manufacturing or process engineering, preferably with industry experience in waste management. You will use your skills, knowledge and experience to support the company in the construction and operation of the first CreChar® production site in Scotland. The position will require you to work with stakeholders at all levels and take a proactive approach to problem solving.  

 

Job Description: 

This is a unique opportunity for a driven, ambitious individual who aims to make a real difference on our way to Net Zero. The successful candidate will thrive on the challenge of turning bright new ideas into action. To achieve this, you will work closely with a small and dedicated start-up team in a key sector of the circular economy. You will play a key role in developing and shaping the operations of the first manufacturing facility of our CreChar® product in Scotland, and build a true legacy by making this critical next step in the company’s growth happen. At the same time, you will be able to expand your skills and knowledge to meet future cleantech opportunities. 

 

Company Details: 

Carbogenics is a cleantech company aiming to play a key role in a resource-efficient and circular economy in Scotland, the UK and globally. Our pyrolysis-based technology converts carbon-rich wastes into additives for bioprocess intensification such as anaerobic digestion and bioremediation, and enables co-production of heat, power and biochemicals. We work with waste management companies, partners in the wastewater and anaerobic digestion industry and a team of business advisors to accelerate commercialisation of our carbon products.  

 

Key responsibilities: 

  • Work with management team and subcontractors to design a 400t/a CreChar® production plant consisting of a pyrolysis kiln and various mechanically installation for material transport, milling and densification in the UK.  

  • Develop a project plan for building the plant including costs, risk register and milestones and setting up a project team. 

  • Execution of the project plan including pre-construction, procurement, construction and commissioning in coordinate with the management team, regulators and contractors, and secure all relevant permits and licenses. 

  • Develop and implement a plant operation plan to ensure smooth operation of the plant and take responsibility for maintenance and repair needs. 

  • Ensure that CreChar® production is cost-effective by estimating costs and negotiating and agreeing budgets with clients, managers and subcontractors. 

  • Monitor the supply chain and production processes and adjust schedules as needed. 

  • Monitor productivity rates, production standards and implement quality control programmes. 

  • Liaise with key stakeholders e.g., suppliers, managers and clients. 

  • Ensure that customer orders are completed on time and on budget, and that quality standards and targets are met. 

  • Collate and analyse data, putting together production reports for managers and customers. 

  • Supervise and motivate a small team of production staff. Review staff performance and identify training needs. 

  • Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety, Security, Environmental and Quality policies and procedures. Develop risk assessments and standard operating protocols and support the continuous improvement of policies and procedures for the site. 

 

Qualifications and Experience: 

  • Engineering Degree in civil, chemical or mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, process engineering or supply chain engineering, and/or relevant work experience 

  • At least four years of experience working in industrial material processing, preferably in solid waste processing or recycling  

  •  Strong project management experience  

  • Familiar with standard CAD software (e.g. AutoCAD) and ideally process flow simulation (e.g. Aspen Plus)  

  • Effective management/team leadership. The post holder will be responsible for building and managing the CreChar® production team. 

  • Ability to act decisively and solve staff or equipment-related problems. 

  • Excellent planning and organisation skills to run and monitor the production process and supply chain.  

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and ability to communicate complex information clearly to various stakeholders. 

  • Ability to assess resource requirements and use limited resources effectively. 

  • Driving licence category B (preferably C1). 

  • Industry recognised Health and Safety Qualification. 

  • Attention to detail to ensure high levels of quality. 

  • Strong negotiation skills for sourcing materials on time and on budget. 

 

Desirable personal qualities: 

  • A results-driven approach to work. 

  • The ability to work in a logical, systematic manner. 

  • Leadership skills and the ability to motivate others to meet deadlines. 

  • Strong problem-solving ability and can-do attitude. 

  • Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment. 

  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. 

  • Strong desire to make a positive impact on the environment. 

 

Key relationships 

  • Line manager: Business Development Director 

  • Access and influence to CEO and CIO 

  • Key funding agency: Scottish Enterprise through Green Jobs Initiative 

  • Industry: Strong engagement with the waste management industry in Scotland and the UK