Chief Operating Officer

$250,000 - $300,000/Yr

Nature's Toolbox - Rio Rancho, NM

Full-time - Executive

Rio Rancho, NM

About the position

Nature's Toolbox (NTx) is a venture-backed company focused on novel recombinant cell-free drug development and biomanufacturing. NTx aims to repurpose nature's biology to enhance the manufacturing speed, quality, and cost of vaccines, biologics, and therapeutics. The company is transitioning from its pre-commercial stage and is establishing collaborations that will support its global commercial relationships. We are seeking a visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and expand NTx's operations, overseeing product development and manufacturing functions to support growth and partnerships. The COO will report directly to the CEO and will be pivotal in scaling manufacturing infrastructure, including in-house and contract manufacturing operations within the U.S. The role is flexible in location but requires regular travel to NTx's offices in Rio Rancho, NM. The COO will be accountable for operational strategy, supply chain efficiency, and the quality, compliance, and financial performance of NTx's manufacturing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, build-out, and start-up of new manufacturing facilities and manage expansions across sites.
• Collaborate closely with R&D to ensure seamless integration of product development into manufacturing.
• Establish scalable processes for non-GMP and cGMP production, from bulk manufacturing to finished product.
• Spearhead initiatives that drive operational excellence, including the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, automation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Oversee all production functions, ensuring that NTx's manufacturing meets quality and supply needs for domestic and international markets.
• Direct all aspects of supply chain management, including sourcing, logistics, and inventory, ensuring on-time delivery and inventory optimization.
• Ensure that all manufacturing operations meet relevant quality standards (GMP) and EHS regulations.
• Manage operational budgets, deliver on cost-of-goods targets, and achieve operating and capital expense goals.
• Assess operational capacity and align resources with production goals.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Commercial, and R&D as a member of the executive leadership team.

Requirements

• MBA is required, with a degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or Management preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in large-scale biotech or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Expertise in engineering, process development, and operational excellence.
• Experience in senior management, with hands-on experience leading large teams and cross-functional operations.
• Comprehensive understanding of cGMP regulations and US-based manufacturing requirements.
• Proven experience in building, scaling, and managing teams.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong communication skills to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits

• $250,000-$300,000 base salary
• Equity