Founding Plant Manager

About the role

MicroHarvest is building its first industrial‑scale bioprocessing plant at Leuna Chemical Park. As the Founding Plant Manager you will lead the investment project from engineering and procurement through construction and commissioning, then transition to running the facility and shaping its long‑term operations.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee basic and detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the new plant.
• Coordinate external contractors and site infrastructure to meet timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Recruit, onboard, and train the initial plant operations team.
• Develop and implement SOPs, ensuring safety, compliance, and process integrity.
• Manage day‑to‑day plant operations, delivering safe, reliable, and efficient production.
• Continuously optimise processes to improve performance, quality, and yield.
• Embed MicroHarvest’s entrepreneurial and collaborative culture throughout the site.

Required profile

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in chemical/biotech/process manufacturing in a responsible role.
• Proven track record delivering large‑scale investment projects.
• Fluent in English and German.
• Motivated by sustainability and eager to join a fast‑growing biotech startup.

Required skills

• Process optimization
• Troubleshooting
• Process safety
• ESHQ (Environment, Safety, Health, Quality)

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the future of sustainable protein production.
• Direct impact on a high‑visibility, multi‑million‑euro project.
• Collaboration with founders, engineering partners, and an experienced biotech team.
• International, diverse startup culture that values curiosity and teamwork.