Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company based in Roslin, Edinburgh. Since day one, genetics has been our sole focus. We have built our company’s strategy, technology, and team around developing and distributing Black Soldier Fly breeds to our customers, Black Soldier Fly producers. We do this by improving Black Soldier Fly genetic performance within our HiPer-Fly selective breeding programme and distributing them from our Multiplier egg production facility.
About the industry
Black Soldier Fly larvae possess an ability to simultaneously divert food, agricultural and industrial waste from disposal and instead up-cycle it into a green, circular and regionally produced nutrient-rich ingredient for the pet, aqua, and livestock sectors. As a result, black soldier fly farms are already being deployed by waste processors, retailers, and food manufacturers as a means to reduce their waste footprint, whilst producing an alternative to environmentally damaging soymeal and fishmeal production.
About the role
We are looking for a dynamic, KPI-focused, and people-oriented Head of Operations to join our growing and evolving team. Your role will report into the CEO to ensure execution to company strategy and form part of the management team. You will have direct responsibility for our Production and Facilities management teams and our supply chain. The role will also require working closely with colleagues from across other company departments - commercial, genetics, product & process development.
Key Results Areas
Manufacturing and Production Management
* Developing, implementing, and supervising the manufacturing plans and strategies for the business, including CAPEX budgets for expansion of operations, plant expansion, major expenditures for facilities and equipment.
* Project manage the deployment of agreed CAPEX and major expenditures across sites, ensuring that these occur within budget and to timeline.
* Managing the smooth operations of the production system, covering human resources, raw material & supply chain, scheduled maintenance, efficiency improvements.
* Managing timelines and work priorities and allocating resources to meet the assigned factory timelines and goals.
* Oversee and manage the production team, Production Manager, and Facilities Manager, ensuring the production of live BSF products that meet required regulatory standards whilst achieving low COGs.
Operations and Team Leadership
* Lead, manage, and develop the operations team.
* Managing the financial & operational performance of Beta Bugs’ Multiplier facility, and delivering regular reports to the Executive Team.
* Creation and implementation of best practice quality vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures to aid and improve all quality and operational performances.
* Working with the leadership team, provide strategic support to key company initiatives.
* Provide operational insights and recommendations to improve organizational performance.
* Develop, monitor, and report on the organization’s risk registers.
Legal and Compliance
* Maintain and manage adherence to health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and adherence to all relevant legislation.
* Develop and implement the plan for quality accreditation of the company’s manufacturing operations.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking a dynamic, KPI-focused, and people-oriented individual who is keen to deliver impact to Beta Bugs and to enable our manufacturing capabilities so that we can better serve our growing customer base. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in operational management, strategic planning, and team leadership, with 5+ years of management experience in Production/Operations/Manufacturing, ideally in food and drink or agri-food/animal production. They will have a demonstrated ability to lead and develop diverse, technical teams across multiple departments to deliver tangible results along with a demonstrable track record in delivering projects to timeline and budget.
Self-starting, they will also be able to demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to adapt to and thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
Qualifications and Experience
Required:
* Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop their teams to achieve results.
* Operational Expertise: Extensive experience in managing production systems, supply chains, and operational efficiency.
* Financial Acumen: Strong skills in budget management, financial forecasting, and cost control.
* Quality and Compliance: In-depth knowledge of quality management practices and regulatory compliance.
* Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the company's long-term goals.
* Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying and mitigating operational risks.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
* Full clean driving license.
* Educated to degree level, ideally in a technical or commercial discipline.
* Remote Manufacturing: Experience in remote manufacturing is considered a plus.
* Direct experience of manufacturing in agri-food/animal production or food and drink sectors is highly advantageous but is not essential.
What We Offer
We offer 30 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), flexible working hours, company pension scheme (8% employer contribution), and group life assurance scheme. We also offer participation in the company’s share option plan.
Timelines
We are reviewing applications and interviewing for this role on a rolling basis with the intention of having the role filled by June 2025.
Interested?
If you feel you’re a fit for the role, we look forward to receiving your application via our LinkedIn portal or via email at recruitment@betabugs.uk.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
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