Operations Manager

Role Definition for Operations Manager

Who we are:
Vertical Oceans is a pioneering AgriTech start-up that is revolutionizing the field of aquaculture by introducing an urban vertical farming system tailored for sustainable seafood. Conceived with a vision to enhance the sustainability of contemporary aquaculture systems, we ended up reimagining the whole process. We’ve integrated advanced facets of bioengineering, hardware engineering, and computational algorithms to cultivate the world’s most flavorsome and eco-friendly shrimp.

Our technology refined system is zero-waste, devoid of any chemicals or antibiotics, and boasts superior energy efficiency. We obsess over every detail and invent new solutions wherever needed to achieve our goal of producing premium quality, sustainable food.

We...Respect Humanity and Nature

We...Use Less to do More

We...Improve Everything, Always

We...Embrace Challenges

Your Opportunity:
We are seeking an ambitious and strategic Operations Manager to oversee operations at our commercial scale facility. This significant role will require you to utilize your technical expertise to troubleshoot processes, maintain equipment, lead investigations when issues arise, and collaborate with the team to develop solutions and remediation plans. Additionally, you will provide support and guidance during regulatory and site inspections.

Your proactive role will further involve the pursuit of safer and more effective methodologies, ensuring team members are adequately trained and in compliance with biosecurity and other regulatory protocols.

Your leadership experience will equip you to respectfully challenge the status quo, fostering an environment of continuous improvement through replicating best practices, conceiving innovative solutions, aligning goals, and planning resources strategically.

Who You Are:
You are a relentless achiever, persistently seeking the next level of excellence. Your desire for perfection is both your driving force and a constantly moving target. Your curiosity and passion for learning compel you to stay updated on the latest techniques, methodologies, and technologies. Having thrived in your current role, you're ready to embrace a larger challenge, an opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and grow further. You are fueled by challenges and find joy in overcoming what seems hard. You have an innate passion for efficiency and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

- Leads a team of 4 - 6 aquaculture technicians and operations assistants to execute on daily activities.
- Facilitates daily stand-up meetings, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
- Effectively organizing, interpreting, and communicating data and results.
- Develops solutions for technical issues.
- Identifies gaps in processes or technologies and proposes effective solutions.
- Provides ad hoc support for day-to-day operations as required.
- Utilizes factory management software MoanaTM for documenting system changes, faults, and corrective actions.
- Works with the Maintenance Manager to ensure the site equipment operates smoothly and consistently.
- Maintains an adequate inventory of necessary consumables, materials and supplies required for production.
- Contributes to the continuous development of Vertical Oceans technology with your inputs and suggestions.
- Enhances existing operating methods, technologies, and systems, and pioneering new ones as required.
- Implementing programs to uphold safety, biosecurity, quality, sanitation, and maintenance standards.
- Actively supporting the company's overall goals and objectives as a senior leadership team member

About you:

- Hold a BSc/MSc in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, process, mechanical). Other degrees may be acceptable if the required skills for the role can be demonstrated.
- Significant experience in operations or related agritech fields.
- Experience in process development, optimization, and improvement.
- Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic environment that demands precision and adaptability.
- Strong interpersonal skills to foster productive relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders.

Bonus Points:

- Prior experience in a startup environment.
- Experience in food production, safety, and handling, especially with short shelf-life and fresh products.

Additional Details:

- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- The position demands work hour flexibility to ensure successful operations. Our facilities operate 365 days a year,

which may require weekend or holiday work when necessary.
- International and domestic travel may be required from time to time.