Membrane Manufacturing & Supply Chain Manager

Captura • Pasadena, CA

7d • $145,000 - $175,000

About The Position

Captura is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Director of Manufacturing Operations to build and scale our manufacturing operations as we transition from development to commercial production. Reporting directly to the COO, this role will own manufacturing, production planning, procurement, and supply chain operations end to end. This is a unique opportunity to build the manufacturing operations function from the ground up within a fast-growing technology company. The ideal candidate has experience in materials or chemical manufacturing, chemical processing, advanced materials, or related industrial manufacturing environments and thrives in a startup setting where processes, systems, and teams are being created and scaled.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or production management.
• Experience in membrane manufacturing, chemical processing, advanced materials, industrial equipment, or related process manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success scaling manufacturing operations and implementing production systems.
• Experience managing suppliers, procurement, inventory, and logistics.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a startup or high-growth technology company.
• Experience transitioning products from pilot-scale manufacturing to commercial production.
• Knowledge of membrane technologies, electrochemical systems, water treatment, energy, or climate technology sectors.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related operational excellence experience.
• Familiarity with ERP, MRP, and inventory management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Develop and implement production planning, scheduling, and capacity management processes.
• Establish manufacturing KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Scale production from development, to pilot-scale manufacturing, leading to significant scale-up to commercial volumes.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality systems, and train employees on new SOPs.
• Drive operational excellence through lean manufacturing and process optimization.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and equipment meet applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory standards on the production floor.
• Build and manage the supply chain function, including sourcing, procurement, inventory management, and logistics.
• Develop relationships with key suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Ensure continuity of supply for critical raw materials/chemicals and components.
• Implement inventory planning systems and controls to support production growth.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve supplier performance.
• Partner with accounting to develop processes to support appropriate tracking.
• Oversee manufacturing equipment, production-line utilities, and process infrastructure.
• Manage production line installations and manufacturing capacity expansion projects.
• Establish preventative maintenance programs and operational best practices for manufacturing equipment.
• Provide guidance to development resources in an indirect reporting structure and transition/hire direct production resources.
• Recruit, develop, and lead production and manufacturing operations personnel.
• Build a high-performance manufacturing culture focused on accountability, safety, quality, and execution.
• Partner closely with engineering, R&D, product development, and leadership teams to support commercialization efforts.
• Develop systems, processes, and metrics to support rapid organizational growth.
• Support manufacturing scale-up, new product introductions, and commercialization initiatives.
• Provide operational forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis to executive leadership.
• Serve as a key member of the operations leadership team helping shape the company's manufacturing strategy.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision fully covered for employees, with partial coverage for dependents
• Stock option grant, with amount determined based on role and experience
• 401(k) with match
• 3 weeks PTO plus company holidays and a paid winter break between Christmas and New Year's

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director