Project Director, Factory 02

Location: Capital Region, Finland
Apply for position by: 7 February, 2024

About Solar Foods

Solar Foods is a visionary food-tech startup company that develops revolutionary fermentation-based innovations for food production. As an active player in solving the global food crisis, Solar Foods provides new solutions that secure the sustainable use of natural resources by disconnecting food production from agriculture. We have created the world’s most sustainable protein Solein, and now we are on our way to making it the ingredient of choice for the foods of tomorrow.

At Solar Foods we are not just creating the future, we are already living it. If you want to be part of an inspiring team dedicated to solving the future of food, then Solar Foods is your new home.

We at Solar Foods are scaling our operations by ramping up our Factory 01 and at the same time kicking off preparations for our Factory 02. Factory 02 will be Solar Foods’ first industrial mass-production facility, which targets full production capability at the latest in 2029.

The role

The Project Director responsibilities are factory setup and construction management including leading the planning, pre-engineering, engineering, permitting and preparation for procurement, construction management and development of Factory 02 to ensure alignment with Solar Foods’ objectives and industry standards. As Project Director you will be leading the process of screening potential location options and site studies and executing the permitting process based on local regulations and requirements.

You will have overall responsibility for resourcing an engineering team. You need great leadership skills to foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment with internal and external project teams. In the beginning of the employment, the Project Director position will be part of the Management Team and report to Solar Foods CEO, Pasi Vainikka.

Project Director is responsible for financial investment management e.g. overall factory investment cost estimate, identifying cost-saving opportunities, mitigating financial risks, Capex and Opex estimates.

You are responsible for technology and automation oversight by driving the integration of cutting-edge technologies and automation solutions into the factory’s operations, enhancing productivity, and maintaining a competitive edge.

In addition, Project Director has overall responsibility for the screening, selection, and monitoring of equipment suppliers. Overall administrative follow up and project management of the project’s timeline, financials, quality, and technical specifications. Project Director coordinates with contractors, architects, authorities, internal and external projects teams and other stakeholders to meet the quality, timeline, and budgetary goals.

What we expect from you

To succeed as Project Director at Solar Foods you will need to possess the following:

• Minimum of Bachelor´s degree in engineering, factory design or related field.
• 10 years of proven experience working in a senior project management setting and being involved in factory projects e.g. process and/or discrete manufacturing industry.
• Previous experience working at bigger structures/companies – proven ability to successfully lead and handle sizeable project development and execution.
• Exceptional financial acumen with a track record of successful cost management in complex projects.
• You have the ability to think strategically and understand holistically.
• Proven experience in hiring key personnel in such settings and delivering projects on time.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• You have the ability to practice calm and sound judgement under pressure and in support of the organisation and its people.
• Mindset supporting Solar Foods’ mission and values.
• You have the ability to effectively communicate with executive management, employees and external customers both verbally and through presentations/written documents. Strong oral and written communication skills in English and preferably Finnish.
• You are a team player and you partner closely with your colleagues in different functions at all levels.

What Solar Foods offers

• You’ll have an opportunity to join one of the coolest and most promising startups in the world.
• You’ll have a meaningful and profound impact not only on the future of food production but also on the company’s development, growth, and internalization.
• You’ll get to work with a passionate and friendly growing team of scientists, chemists, food application specialists, and economists from different backgrounds and cultures.
• You’ll get a competitive compensation package.

How to apply

Please send your CV and your application to jobs@thexsearch.com by 7th of February 2024. For further information please contact our executive search partner Terhi Klemetti at The X Search terhi@thexsearch.com or +358 50 480 2401. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please notice that since all duties at Solar Foods require precision, reliability, independent judgement, and a good ability to react, the employer has the right to require all new employees to undergo drug tests, performed by the occupational health care service provider.