Founding Plant Manager

Role overview

MicroHarvest is building its first industrial-scale production facility at Leuna Chemical Park, backed by a mid eight-figure investment and planned as a start-up site for late 2027. The company is looking for a founding Plant Manager to take charge of the project phase first, covering engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning, and then move into operational leadership of the plant.

The position is designed for someone who enjoys both strategic direction and practical execution. You will help shape the new site from the ground up, establish the operating model, and create the standards, systems, and culture that will guide MicroHarvest’s plant operations for years ahead.

Location is Leuna Chemical Park, with onboarding time in Hamburg and Lisbon.

Project and plant leadership

• Steer the full plant build-out, including basic engineering, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Coordinate with external partners and site infrastructure teams so that timelines, budgets, and quality expectations stay on track.
• Move from project lead into Plant Manager responsibility for safe, dependable, and efficient day-to-day operations.
• Continuously refine production methods to improve performance, product quality, and yield.

Team and culture building

• Recruit, onboard, and develop the first operations team for the site.
• Create and roll out SOPs for new processes, with safety and compliance built in from the start.
• Bring MicroHarvest’s entrepreneurial and collaborative working style into the new location.

Requirements and profile

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a similar discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in chemical, biotech, or process manufacturing in a responsible position.
• Demonstrated success in managing sizeable investment projects.
• Strong command of process optimization, troubleshooting, ESHQ, and process safety.
• Leadership style that combines structure and efficiency with the flexibility needed in a startup setting.
• Practical, hands-on, collaborative, and well organized with solid time-management skills.
• Fluency in both English and German.
• Strong motivation for sustainability and enthusiasm for joining a fast-growing biotech startup.

Benefits and what you can expect

• The opportunity to contribute directly to a more sustainable global food system.
• Ownership of one of the most important projects in MicroHarvest’s growth journey.
• Close collaboration with the founders, engineering partners, and an experienced biotech team.
• Exposure to an ambitious, international, and diverse startup environment where curiosity and teamwork matter.

Additional information

This is a rare chance to build and lead an industrial plant from the beginning and leave a lasting impact on the future of food.

Equal opportunity

MicroHarvest welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and encourages people from under-represented groups to apply. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law.