As our Operations Director, you will hold a pivotal role working closely with the CEO to run one of the most crucial part of the company. Your responsibilities will span across negotiating and managing relationships with manufacturing partners globally, including in the U.S., China, and other key locations, to optimize our cost of goods sold (COGS) and streamline logistics processes. Collaborating with many internal and external partners you will also be involved in new products development, crafting and executing a forward-thinking product strategy that aligns with our ambition and with customers needs. Your leadership and problem solving mindset will ensure we maintain robust operational efficiencies and foster productive partnerships, ultimately contributing to our company’s growth and success. As we’re still early on the journey, this will be a hands-on role and should be approached with a “builder” mindset.

Main mission (but not limited to): 

OPERATIONS:

• Lead global manufacturing partnerships, optimizing operational efficiencies, negotiating terms, and managing COGS and logistics.

• Navigate international manufacturing and supply chain complexities to ensure competitive production capabilities.

• Develop and implement strategies for sourcing materials and suppliers, emphasizing sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and quality.

• Conduct thorough market research to identify and onboard the best suppliers, ensuring a resilient and ethical supply chain.

• Enable Neoplants to grow high quality products by establishing and optimize production operations in the U.S., focusing on relationship building, strategic planning, and project management (contract negotiations, hiring,…)

• Design and implement a cutting-edge logistics framework that enhances delivery efficiency, stock management, and customer satisfaction, (logistics  mapping and optimisation, stock management processes, return policy & processes). 

• Serve as a key liaison between teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on strategic objectives, project updates, and operational planning.

• Engage in cross-functional projects, providing operational insights and leadership in market analysis, business development, and product innovation. 

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT:

• Collaborate across the company and with the leadership team to give the strategic direction for current and future product lines, ensuring operational practices support business growth and market adaptability

• Oversee the product management and development process, from concept to launch, ensuring products align with market needs and company vision.

• Work closely with R&D, design, and engineering teams to bring innovative products to market, prioritizing functionality, sustainability, and user experience.

• Develop product roadmaps that articulate clear milestones and deliverables, aligning product strategy with business objectives and customer feedback.

• Implement agile product development methodologies to enhance team productivity and adapt quickly to market changes.

• Foster a culture of innovation within the product team, encouraging creative problem-solving and continuous improvement in product design and functionality.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE:

• Be in charge of implementing robust customer support processes and systems to ensure optimal customer experience and surface data-driven insights to inform marketing efforts and product iterations

Required:

Extensive Operations Experience: 10+ years with relevant hands-on experience in shaping and scaling operational systems and processes.

Operational Mastery: Proven track record in optimizing cost of goods sold (COGS) and a deep understanding of the operational stakes involved in manufacturing and logistics.

Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated experience in managing external partnerships, negotiating contracts, and improving operational efficiencies across global markets.

Hands-on Leadership: Highly autonomous with a proactive approach, capable of leading by example and driving projects to completion with minimal oversight.

Product Experience: proven track record in working closely or leading new product development.  

Exceptional Organizational Skills: Outstanding ability to organize, prioritize, and manage complex projects and processes efficiently.

Communication Excellence: Superior communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate clear and compelling messages to diverse audiences.

Quick Learner: Ability to rapidly assimilate new information and adapt to new challenges and environments.

Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy and quality in all aspects of operations and project management.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Strong personal drive and resilience, with a mindset geared towards innovation, growth, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

Persistence: A relentless dedication to achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and delivering results, no matter the challenge.

Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, comfortable with ambiguity and frequent changes in priorities.

Project Management: Enjoys managing multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously, demonstrating effective multitasking and time management skills.

Passion for Sustainability: A genuine interest in plants and sustainability, eager to contribute to the company’s mission of making a positive environmental impact.

Mission-Driven: Aligns personally and professionally with the company’s goals and values, motivated by the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Commitment to Excellence: A constant desire to grow, improve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, striving for operational excellence in every endeavor.

Nice to have:

• Entrepreneurship experience

• Experience working with the US market

• Experience working in a business involving a physical product and logistics

• Mastering Google Suite productivity tools (Docs, Sheets, Drive…) 

• Good presentation skills 

Shared values: Team spirit, Positive impact, Excellence, Humility

Why join us?

🌿 Contribute to global innovation by collaborating with world-class experts in their field, learn from the founders, and get regular updates on everything happening in the company through monthly company-wide meetings.

🌿Join an innovative startup where you can make an impact and at any position in the company  

🌿 Participate in recurring company events, such as our annual kick-off, offsite seminar, after-work, celebrations every month, team activities like escape games or go-karting 

🌿 Come work in our brand new Neolab, ‘The Seed’: A unique 1,200m2 space on two floors featuring a state-of-the-art wetlab, full-scale performance testing rooms among other high-end equipment, as well as open offices and great team spaces!

🌿 Enjoy great benefits:

• Highly competitive salary

• Transportation (Navigo card or bike pass): 100% reimbursed. 

• Swile (lunch vouchers): 10€ per day worked - 55% paid by the company 

• Health: Alan Blue (private insurance, 70% paid by Neoplants, applicable to your family) and access to Moka.care (wellness and mental health support platform)

• Healthy snacks and fruit in the office 

• Your own Mac Book pro

• Personalized little attentions and a seniority gift from year one

Other information about the role:

Office location: The Seed, 47 Rue du Docteur Léonce Basset, 93400 Saint-Ouen

Starting date: The sooner the better :)

Your recruitment journey 

Step 1 - Culture fit interview 

Step 2 - Role-Related Knowledge interview 

Step 3 - Leadership and Karma interviews 

Step 4 - Live working session or case study focusing on General Cognitive Ability

Step 5 - Meet the team & visit the Seed