Chief Executive Officer

Remote type: Hybrid

Locations: Clermont-Ferrand

Time type: Full-time

Job requisition ID: R

In a significant development, a collaboration has been established between leading industry players, including Danone and Michelin, alongside the American start-up DMC Biotechnologies and Crédit Agricole Centre France. This partnership aims to enhance capabilities in precision fermentation through the establishment of a Biotech Open Platform, which will facilitate the production of bio-based materials and ingredients.

The substantial investment will leverage the existing expertise and ecosystem of Parc Cataroux, a Center for Sustainable Materials, which is an innovation accelerator supported by Michelin.

The Biotech Open Platform is set to deliver specialized materials and unique services that support pre-industrial development and prototyping, with key objectives that include:

• Expanding production capacity in accordance with anticipated demand, utilizing a modular approach to address diverse needs throughout the Downstream Processing (DSP) chain.
• Meeting the joint venture's ambitions to build capabilities while aligning with the innovation goals of the founding partners.

To achieve these objectives, the CEO will oversee the Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) through critical stages of the conversion process, which encompasses fermentation assets and downstream processing techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, evaporation, crystallization, decanting, and drying operations.

• Effective production and refinement of materials across various operational stages.
• Collaborating with existing clients (founding partners) to manufacture and supply products tailored to their requirements.
• Identifying, attracting, and securing new customers and revenue streams to optimize capacity utilization in line with scaling and overall objectives.
• Leading capacity allocation based on the needs of interested parties, ensuring the requirements of founding partners are met while not hindering future growth opportunities.

• Strategic Execution: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines the execution strategy, enhances competitive advantage, and meets commercial and financial projections.
• Financial Acquisition: Secure funding through investors, loans, or subsidies, ensuring a return on investment for the capital allocated to the facility.
• Talent Acquisition: Recruit, hire, and retain top talent across all departments, fostering a collaborative company culture.
• Ecosystem Engagement: Collaborate with the biotech ecosystem and promote the company's growth alongside start-ups, science incubators/accelerators, academic institutions, and local authorities.
• Operational Management: Oversee and ensure effective management of all business aspects, including marketing, sales, finance, and operations.
• Board Coordination: Organize board meeting agendas and decision-making processes, contributing to strategic direction and maintaining open relationships with shareholders.

• Report to the Board of Directors, which includes representatives from Danone, Michelin, DMC, and Crédit Agricole.
• Drive the company's activities and be accountable for its economic performance and investment strategy.
• Maintain the company's independence while fulfilling both shareholder expectations and its societal responsibilities.

• Lead recruitment and staffing efforts necessary to achieve the Business Plan.

• Ensure the company's financial stability while managing business development and client relationships.

• Implement the multi-year strategy in alignment with market objectives.
• Explore potential modifications to the business model, including the expansion of the current CDMO framework.

The ideal candidate will possess a diverse skill set, enabling effective collaboration within a science and engineering-driven environment while engaging with the strategic Board of Directors.

• Education/Experience: Master's Degree or PhD in Microbiology/Biology or Engineering/Technology.
• Proven experience with accountability in both commercial and operational domains.
• Industry expertise acquired through work in fermentation/biotechnology.
• Demonstrated capability in leading a CDMO.
• International experience and a global perspective.

• Expertise in propagation/fermentation or microbiology.
• Proficiency in biological engineering.
• Mastery of downstream processes such as separation, concentration, and drying.
• In-depth knowledge of Quality & Food Safety systems.
• Expertise in market segmentation, customer profiling, and contract management.
• Practical understanding of corporate law, accounting, and finance.

• Strong and inclusive leadership skills, capable of inspiring teams during uncertain times.
• Customer-oriented mindset.
• Focused on results and delivery.
• Agile leadership with a transformational and strategic approach, balanced with pragmatism.
• Effective communication skills across various partner groups.
• Proactive and initiative-driven.
• Humble and resilient.
• Ability to navigate complexity with enthusiasm and problem-solving skills.
• Impactful and influential leader.
• Recognized as a key resource within and outside the organization.
• Advocate for teamwork and collaboration.

Michelin, a company committed to sustainable mobility and recognized for its employee experience initiatives.

• A score of 99/100 on the gender equality index.
• A 'Handi welcoming' company, with a network of disability ambassadors to support you.
• 83.5% employee engagement rate.
• 94.6% of interns and apprentices recommend us.
• Ranked among the most engaged CAC 40 groups according to the RSE Universum 2023 index.
• Among the top 100 most attractive companies for students and professionals with BAC+2/3 in the Universum 2023 ranking.
• Number 1 among companies with over 500 interns and apprentices for the best remuneration.
• In the top 10 best employers in France according to the Glassdoor 2023 ranking.
• Among the top 3 companies in the 'Automotive/Equipment' sector for employer attractiveness.

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