Welcome to Fermtech

At Fermtech we are motivated by using the power of Biology to help solve the climate crisis. We achieve this by using an alternative form of fermentation – Solid State Fermentation – to convert waste materials and side streams into valuable food ingredients.

Our core products – the Koji Cocoa range – are highly effective cocoa substitutes made entirely from side streams. They’re cheaper than cocoa, replicate the exact same flavours & textures, are totally natural and clean label, and have a 98% lower carbon footprint. In this way we save the destruction of primary rainforests, cleared for cocoa production, by offering an ultra-sustainable alternative.

Why this could be interesting for you:

We’re at a key stage in the growth of the business. We’ve validated our product with customers, are currently developing production with our manufacturing partners in China. We’re recruiting a Director of Production create a Production function in the business to scale our production.

We’re a company going places:

Winner of the prestigious Innovation Zero award 2025

Voted most innovative company in Oxford 2023

Future Food 500 2025 and finalist of the Future of Food awards

Supported by prestigious national- and local-level grants

The best reason for considering coming to work for us is that we’re genuinely doing something of benefit, deploying innovation in a cutting-edge field, to contribute to averting the climate crisis.

Position Mission – key objectives:

This role involves the creation and development of our Production function, with the following key objectives over the next 12-24 months:

Rapid production scaling (through third party production partners, predominantly in China), to 10’s and 100’s of tons per month.

Develop production of our next ranges of products, including gluten-free and target flavour profile variants.

Constantly improve performance to production metrics, including yield, consistency, and scale.

In the future this function may require the development of in-house production facilities or the licensing of them for our customers.

What you will do – key responsibilities:We’re a small team and this is a top-level role that requires leadership, strategy, planning, as well as front-line execution work. Key responsibilities include:

Production roadmap. Responsible for planning and strategy of our production systems and development, including target setting, as well as reporting Production development strategies to the leadership team.

Contribute to company strategic planning, from a Production perspective.

Day to day management of our Production function to deliver yield, quality, and scale targets.

Regulatory compliance. Ensure full compliance to standards required by customers and regulatory bodies in our target markets, including BRC, HACCP, and ISO.

Develop and manage the Production team, including in-house and third-party resources, covering functions such as QC, production, food safety, and logistics.

Develop and manage relationships with partners, such as production facilities, logistics, testing labs, and storage & distribution facilities.

What we’re looking for:Minimum requirements

5 years’ experience in the management of scaled / industrial level food or fermentation production systems.

Clear knowledge and understanding of food safety and QC requirements in a BRC food production environment.

Proven commercial leadership experience, including partner negotiations and contract management.

Team leadership experience, including of teams across languages, cultures, and geographies.

Also desirable

Experience in a start-up environment

Knowledge and background in food science and / or flavour chemistry

Expertise and expertise in fermentation, preferably including solid state fermentation

R&D and product development experience

This role has the opportunity for development to broader leadership functions in the business, such as R&D and Product Development.

Other key details:

Time: Full-time employment

Location: Oxford

Package: Competitive salary and potential for equity options, linked to performance, available for the right candidate.

Travel: Expect regular travel around the UK, and occasional international travel, including the Far East

Start date: Q3 2025

Recruitment Process:

Reach out on LinkedIn or email to andy@fermtech.co.uk with a CV and cover letter.

Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Fermtech

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