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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial partnerships and manage operations in a deep-tech startup.
- Company: A&B Smart Materials, an innovative venture from Oxford University.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity stake, health insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team to revolutionise sustainable materials and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with 2-3+ years in consulting or operations.
- Other info: High autonomy, supportive culture, and significant growth potential in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a Founder Associate who wants real ownership — ex‑consultant, strategy or ops background, hyper‑ambitious, and hungry to scale a deep‑tech startup. You’ll work side‑by‑side with the CEO across commercial strategy, partnerships, COO‑level operations and financial planning & projections. Chemistry background required.
Company Overview
A&B Smart Materials is an Oxford University‑based materials science venture developing bio‑based, biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to replace today’s fossil‑based plastics. SAPs are used in diapers, menstrual pads, incontinence products and in agriculture as “water‑storage crystals” that help soil retain moisture. Our mission is to replace synthetic superabsorbents in a $9B market projected to reach $17B by 2035 with sustainable, biodegradable materials.
Role Overview
This high‑ownership, founder‑level role combines commercial partnerships, COO‑style operations management and cross‑functional execution. You will engage directly with global hygiene, chemical and agriculture companies, support co‑development agreements, industrial trials and potential pre‑orders, and build the operational backbone that keeps the company executing at speed. You will also support financial planning, including project budgeting, cost projections and cash‑flow alignment, and prepare clear, convincing slides, reports and partner materials.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commercial relationships with major hygiene, chemical and agriculture companies, including establishing and managing co‑development agreements, industrial trials, pre‑orders and other structured partnerships.
- Prepare clear, compelling outreach decks, reports and partner materials; confidently present and persuade senior stakeholders.
- Build and manage internal operations and project‑management structures, coordinating deliverables, timelines and cross‑functional workflows.
- Support financial planning, including project budgeting, cost projections and alignment with cash utilization plans.
- Work directly with the CEO on strategy, market analyses and partnership roadmaps.
- Prepare investor updates, board materials and stakeholder communications.
- Contribute to large grant applications by drafting content and coordinating partners.
Qualifications
- Degree in chemistry or chemical engineering.
- 2‑3+ years of experience in consulting, startups, strategy, operations, finance or business development.
- Strong operations management capability (COO‑style): able to structure processes, coordinate teams and keep workstreams moving.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, confident in producing clear stakeholder‑facing materials and presenting to senior executives.
- Ability to support financial planning, including preparing project budgets, cost projections, technical formulation cost analyses, and contributing to cash‑flow management.
- Strong organizational and project‑management skills with a “get the work done” ownership mindset.
- Confident working with technical teams and comfortable learning complex concepts quickly.
Desired Experience (Nice to Have)
- Worked with Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) before or/and worked in the hygiene (diapers, menstrual pads, cosmetics) and agricultural industry (soil enhancements).
- Experience working in early‑stage startups or deep‑tech commercialization.
- Familiarity with materials, chemicals, hygiene, agriculture industries.
- Ability to speak additional languages (e.g. German, Mandarin, Japanese) to strengthen engagement with international partners.
Personal Qualities
- Proactive, with a strong sense of initiative and momentum.
- Hungry to succeed, ambitious and eager to take on responsibility.
- A genuine “roll your sleeves up” mentality, no ego, just action.
- Thrives in a work‑hard, play‑hard environment with a high‑performance team.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Meaningful equity
- Massive upside backed by world‑class climate & deep‑tech investors
- Hybrid working (Oxford base, potential London office)
- 28 days annual leave
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellbeing package
- High autonomy and responsibility from day one, supported by a Business Analyst
Founder’s Associate – Commercial & Operations Lead (Requires Chemistry Background) in Oxford employer: A&B Smart Materials
Contact Detail:
A&B Smart Materials Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder’s Associate – Commercial & Operations Lead (Requires Chemistry Background) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company inside out, understand their mission, and be ready to discuss how your chemistry background can contribute to their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past projects and achievements, especially those related to operations and commercial strategy. Visuals can make a big impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at A&B Smart Materials.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder’s Associate – Commercial & Operations Lead (Requires Chemistry Background) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Chemistry Passion: Make sure to highlight your chemistry background in your application. We want to see how your knowledge can contribute to our mission of replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable materials.
Tailor Your Experience: When detailing your previous roles, focus on experiences that showcase your operations management and commercial strategy skills. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how your past work aligns with what we do.
Craft Compelling Materials: Since you'll be preparing outreach decks and reports, demonstrate your ability to create clear and persuasive documents in your application. Share examples of your communication skills that would impress senior stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at A&B Smart Materials
✨Know Your Chemistry
Since a chemistry background is essential for this role, brush up on your knowledge of superabsorbent polymers and their applications. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to the company's mission of replacing fossil-based plastics.
✨Showcase Your Ownership Mindset
This position requires a proactive approach and a 'get the work done' attitude. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you took ownership of projects or initiatives, demonstrating your ability to drive results and manage operations effectively.
✨Master the Art of Communication
You'll need to prepare clear and compelling materials for senior stakeholders. Practice presenting your ideas succinctly and confidently, focusing on how you can engage with commercial partners and support financial planning.
✨Research the Company and Market
Familiarise yourself with A&B Smart Materials and the broader market for biodegradable materials. Understanding their competitors and the challenges in the industry will help you articulate how you can add value and drive the company's growth.
