Textile waste is a growing global challenge. Syre’s mission is to decarbonize and dewaste textiles, starting with the world's biggest fiber, polyester. By implementing true textile-to-textile recycling at hyperscale, we want to drive the transition from a linear to a circular value chain by putting textile waste to use, over and over again.

We're seeking a Technical Operations Director to lead our Operations, EHS, Analytical Lab, and Quality functions. This role is crucial for establishing and optimizing the systems and processes that will drive our growth from R&D to full-scale production. This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundational infrastructure of a fast-paced startup. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with extensive experience in R&D and effectively navigates the start-up environment with speed, creativity, flexibility. They will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our lab facilities, ensuring the highest standards of safety, and managing our analytical and quality control functions.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Quality:
• Lead Tech Service activities supporting Commercial, including sample production for key customers
• Establish and maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS).
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Lead internal and external audits.
• Manage documentation control and change management processes
• Operations Management: 
  • Oversee the daily operations of the R&D labs, including equipment maintenance, procurement of supplies, and managing lab resources.
  • Develop and implement operational procedures to maximize efficiency and productivity.
  • Collaborate with the R&D team to support project goals and timelines.
  • Manage lab budgets and control operational costs

• Analytical Lab Functions:
  • Manage the analytical lab, including supervising technicians and overseeing instrument maintenance (e.g., GC, HPLC, NMR, and various spectroscopy tools).
  • Develop and validate analytical methods for R&D development, product and process quality control.
  • Ensure the accuracy and reliability of all analytical data.
• Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS):
  • Establish a comprehensive EHS program, ensure compliance with all regulations.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments.
  • Develop and lead safety training programs for all lab personnel.
  • Maintain and update safety data sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory.
  • Serve as the primary contact for all EHS-related matters.
    

We would prefer if you 

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field. An advanced degree is a plus.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a chemical or equipment R&D environment, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or managerial role.

• Skills & Competencies:
  • Proven leadership track record of building talent and empowering high performance teams inan R&D environment
  • Deep knowledge of chemical processes, analytical instrumentation, and lab best practices. o Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Solid understanding of lab safety and creating a culture of safety
  • Experience with process scale-up from lab to pilot plant to demo plant is highly desirable.

You will be reporting to the CTO and should be located in (or willing to relocate) North Carolina, USA.

Syre is an international company with a Swedish soul. We are a growing team of scalemakers – dedicated optimists and pioneers, together on a quest to drive the great textile shift. At Syre, we always appreciate it if you would be described as purpose-driven, action-oriented, innovative, change navigator and team player. Our team members are offered an international environment of innovation and speed, and we embrace diversity in all forms. Together we are here to build an impact company with green transition at its core – for our customers, partners, investors, and most of all, for our planet.

Are you the one we’re looking for? Apply with confidence - we look forward to hearing from you (in English)!