As our Chief Operating Officer, you will be the CEO’s closest business partner to take Neoplants to the next level. You will ensure both operational and commercial performance and will also be involved in shaping the ambitious future roadmap of the company. You will hold a pivotal role to run and define the company’s strategy and execution in all its dimensions (product, operations, finance, go-to-market, etc.).

As we’re still early on the journey, this will be a hands-on role and should be approached with a “builder” mindset.

Main mission (but not limited to):

OPERATIONS:

• Work very closely with the CEO to fine-tune our business model and take key strategic decisions to deliver on our objectives and business plan.

• Oversee all internal operations to ensure the stability and performance of Neoplants as an organization.

• Lead global manufacturing partnerships, optimizing operational efficiencies, negotiating terms, and managing COGS and logistics.

• Develop and implement strategies for sourcing materials and suppliers, emphasizing sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and quality.

• Conduct thorough market research to identify and onboard the best suppliers, ensuring a resilient and ethical supply chain.

• Enable Neoplants to develop high quality products by establishing and optimizing production operations in the U.S., focusing on relationship building, strategic planning and project management (contract negotiations, hiring,…).

• Design and implement a cutting-edge logistics framework that enhances delivery efficiency, stock management, and customer satisfaction, (logistics  mapping and optimisation, stock management processes, return policy & processes).

• Serve as a key liaison between teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on strategic objectives, project updates and operational planning.

• Engage in cross-functional projects, providing operational insights and leadership in market analysis, business development and product innovation.

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT:

• Collaborate across the company and with the leadership team to give the strategic direction for current and future product lines, ensuring operational practices support business growth and market adaptability.

• Oversee the product management and development process, from concept to launch, ensuring products align with market needs and company vision.

• Work closely with R&D, design, and engineering teams to bring innovative products to market, prioritizing functionality, sustainability, and user experience.

• Collaborate with the CEO to develop and adjust a product roadmap that articulates clear milestones and deliverables, aligning product strategy with business objectives and customer feedback.

• Foster a culture of innovation within the team, encouraging creative problem-solving and continuous improvement in product design and functionality.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE:

• Be in charge of implementing robust customer support processes and systems to ensure optimal customer experience and surface data-driven insights to inform marketing efforts and product iterations

Required:

• Commercial Track Record: have contributed directly to taking a product company from initial sales to $10M+ in yearly revenue, ideally with experience on the US market.

• Extensive Operations Experience: 10+ years with relevant hands-on experience in shaping and scaling companies.

• Operational Mastery: Proven track record in optimizing cost of goods sold (COGS) and a deep understanding of the operational stakes involved in manufacturing and logistics.

• Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated experience in managing external partnerships, negotiating contracts, and improving operational efficiencies across global markets.

• Hands-on Leadership: Highly autonomous with a proactive approach, capable of leading by example and driving projects to completion with no guidance

• Product Experience: proven track record in working closely or leading new complex product development.

• Communication Excellence: excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate clear and compelling messages to diverse audiences.

• Quick Learner: Ability to rapidly assimilate new information and adapt to new challenges and environments.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Strong personal drive and resilience, with a mindset geared towards innovation, growth, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. Relentless dedication to achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and delivering results, no matter the challenge.

• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, comfortable with ambiguity and frequent changes in priorities.

• Passion for Sustainability: A genuine interest in plants and sustainability, eager to contribute to the company’s mission of making a positive environmental impact.

• Mission-Driven: Aligns personally and professionally with the company’s goals and values, motivated by the opportunity to make a significant impact.

• Commitment to Excellence: A constant desire to grow, improve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, striving for operational excellence in every endeavor.

Nice to have:

• Entrepreneurship experience

• Experience working with the US market

• Ability to travel regularly abroad for business (US / Asia)

• Experience working in a business involving a physical product and logistics

• Mastering Google Suite productivity tools (Docs, Sheets, Drive…)

• Good presentation skills

Shared values: Team spirit, Positive impact, Excellence, Humility

Why join us?

🌿 Why join us?

🌿 Contribute to global innovation by collaborating with world-class experts in their field, learn from the founders, and get regular updates on everything happening in the company through monthly company-wide meetings.

🌿Join an innovative startup where you can make an impact and at any position in the company

🌿 Participate in recurring company events such as breakfast every other Friday at the office, annual kick-off, offsite seminar, after-work, celebrations every month, team activities like escape games or go-karting

🌿 Come work in our brand new Neolab, ‘The Seed’: A unique 1,200m2 space on two floors featuring a state-of-the-art wetlab, full-scale performance testing rooms among other high-end equipment, as well as open offices and great team spaces!

🌿 Enjoy great benefits:

• Highly competitive salary and BSPCE

• Transportation (Navigo card or bike pass): 100% reimbursed.

• Swile (lunch vouchers): 10€ per day worked - 55% paid by the company

• Health: Alan Blue (private insurance, 70% paid by Neoplants, applicable to your family) and access to Moka.care (wellness and mental health support platform)

• Healthy snacks and fruit in the office

• Your own Mac Book pro

• Personalized little attentions and a seniority gift from year one

Other information about the role:

Office location: The Seed, 47 Rue du Docteur Léonce Basset, 93400 Saint-Ouen

Starting date: The sooner the better :)

🌟 We get a lot of applications so don’t shy away but surprise us ;)

Neoplants values diversity within its organization and in its relationships with its stakeholders. Thus, with equal skills, we study all applications without any discrimination.

Your recruitment journey

Step 1 - HR intro & culture fit interview (visio)

Step 2 - Role-Related Knowledge interview (visio)

Step 3 - Live working session or case study focusing on General Cognitive Ability (visio)

Step 4 - Leadership and Karma interview, meet the team & visit the Seed (on site)

Step 5 - Meet with our board members (visio)