Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain (Co-Founder) in London

Jetpac UK Limited is a pre‑revenue start‑up developing biodegradable takeaway packaging to help UK restaurants cut costs and meet sustainability goals, using affordable, compostable packaging manufactured cheaply in Uganda from sugarcane waste. We plan to expand to 12 African and 5 EU countries in 10 years, with the headquarters based in the UK.

The founding team member is someone who believes in the business, an entrepreneur, not just a job. Initially, you would work in your spare time, building up to the launch of the company without a salary until the company receives an investment. In exchange, you will receive a share package and sweat equity. You must be willing to move to Uganda, given the location of the factory.

The Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain is a founding team leader responsible for designing, building, and launching the entire production and supply chain function of a new manufacturing startup. This role oversees everything from factory setup, equipment procurement, supplier negotiations, production planning, and quality management, to establishing the operational systems required for the company to move from zero production to commercial launch. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on operator who can create structure from scratch, lead technical and operational execution, and work effectively in a fast‑paced, resource‑constrained startup environment. The candidate would also be required as needed in other activities, including strategy development, fundraising, and go‑to‑market activities, to name a few.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre‑Launch / Pre‑Revenue Responsibilities (Critical for Startups)
• Factory & Production Planning: Lead site evaluation and factory layout design, including material flow, storage, utilities, and safety considerations. Define production requirements and technical specifications for equipment. Develop a complete Manufacturing Readiness Plan covering facility build‑out, utilities, machine installation, commissioning, and pilot production. Create all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation before launch.
• Equipment Selection & Procurement: Identify and evaluate production equipment vendors. Participate in pricing negotiations, procurement planning, and CAPEX justification. Oversee delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning of machinery. Ensure correct setup of calibrations, maintenance schedules, and operating parameters.
• Operational Budgeting: Assist the CEO and CFO with operational cost modelling, including machinery costs, utilities, labour requirements, and maintenance and spare parts. Help build the financial narrative for investors regarding production capacity, unit economics, and scalability.
• Supply Chain Setup: Identify, assess, and onboard suppliers of raw materials, packaging, consumables, and spare parts. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, MOQs, delivery schedules, and long‑term supply agreements. Develop the entire supply chain from scratch, including inbound logistics and warehouse planning.
• Quality & Compliance Preparation: Establish quality management systems appropriate for the industry (e.g., ISO, HACCP, GMP). Develop QC protocols for incoming materials, in‑process checks, and finished product. Set up documentation for audits, traceability, health & safety, and environmental compliance.
• Responsibilities After Funding & Production Launch
• Manufacturing Operations: Lead the daily running of the production line to meet targets for throughput, quality, and cost. Implement lean manufacturing, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies. Monitor KPIs including OEE, scrap rate, downtime, productivity, and yield. Manage preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Supply Chain & Logistics: Oversee procurement, inventory planning, warehousing, and material handling. Ensure raw materials are available in the right quantity, quality, and timing. Build forecasting models and production scheduling systems. Manage outbound logistics and customer delivery performance after launch. Hire, train, and manage production operators, supervisors, warehouse staff, and quality technicians. Build a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and accountability. Provide mentorship and operational discipline across the organisation.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, or production engineering.
• Proven experience setting up or scaling manufacturing facilities (greenfield or early‑stage preferred).
• Deep understanding of production machinery, process engineering, and factory systems.
• Strong procurement and negotiation skills.
• Experience in quality control, regulatory compliance, and operational health & safety.
• Hands‑on leadership style suited to resource‑constrained startup environments.
• Ability to work across multicultural teams in the UK and Africa.
• Exposure to early‑stage companies, fundraising processes, and startup dynamics (preferred).
• Experience with automation, lean manufacturing, and operational excellence tools.
• Experience in the specific sector e.g., packaging, plastics, food, chemicals, FMCG (preferred).
• Ability to contribute to investor presentations and technical due diligence.

Personal Attributes (Startup‑Critical)

• Willing to work in your spare time without a salary until such time that the company becomes profitable.
• Highly proactive and comfortable working with limited resources and high ambiguity.
• Strong problem‑solver with a “build first, perfect later” mindset.
• Thrives in fast‑paced environments and can make quick operational decisions.
• Excellent communicator who can work cross‑functionally with founders, engineers, and investors.
• Owner mentality — takes full responsibility for outcomes and get it done attitude.
• Hands‑on: willing to roll up sleeves and work directly on production floors.

What Success Looks Like

• Factory commissioned on time and within budget.
• Equipment procured, installed, and running reliably.
• A robust supply chain established with secure raw material contracts.
• Clear SOPs, quality systems, and operational KPIs in place.
• Successful pilot runs completed and validated.
• Production is ready to scale smoothly after launch.