Project and Operations Manager

Salary: To be negotiated, based on experience

Location: Nottingham, UK

About Nova Biochem

Nova Biochem is a climate-tech company pioneering the transformation of industrial by-products into high-value, sustainable chemicals. Using our proprietary hydrothermal depolymerisation process, we convert lignin-rich residues from pulping and agriculture into renewable aromatic building blocks used in coatings, plastics, and resins – replacing fossil inputs and cutting emissions at the source.

Our mission is to unlock a circular, low-carbon model for industrial chemistry – creating new value from waste while reducing millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Based in Nottingham, we’re entering a scale-up phase, expanding lab and pilot operations, delivering a €7.5M EU-funded project, and laying the groundwork for commercialisation.

This is a pivotal moment to join a small, mission-driven team determined to reshape the chemical industry through practical innovation.

The Role

We’re seeking a Project & Operations Manager to help bring structure, clarity, and reliability to Nova’s next stage of growth.

You’ll oversee the coordination of key projects and grants, streamline internal operations, and ensure that our lab and office run smoothly day-to-day. Working closely with the CEO and technical teams, you’ll be the link between science, delivery, and business – ensuring timelines, budgets, and communications are well managed and aligned.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on organisation and precision, enjoys improving systems, and takes pride in enabling others to work effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage project plans, deliverables, and budgets to ensure milestones are met on time and to a high standard.
• Serve as the main point of contact for external partners, funders, and consortium members.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, reporting, and compliance records.
• Support preparation of new grant applications and upcoming initiatives.

Operations Management

• Oversee procurement for lab, office, and project needs – sourcing suppliers, managing orders, and tracking budgets.
• Ensure the smooth running of day-to-day lab and office operations, including logistics and administrative support.
• Maintain key operational documentation such as contracts, budgets, and workflow policies.
• Support HR-related processes including onboarding and record-keeping as the team expands.
• Identify opportunities to simplify and strengthen operational systems and workflows.
• Implement tools and processes that improve communication, coordination, and efficiency.
• Help build scalable frameworks to support Nova’s transition from lab-scale research to commercial operations.

Who You Are

You’re a proactive, detail-oriented problem solver who enjoys bringing order to complexity. You take ownership, follow through, and thrive in fast-moving environments where flexibility and initiative are valued.

You value clear communication, integrity, and collaboration, and you’re motivated by meaningful work that contributes to a more sustainable future.

• Proven experience in project coordination, operations, or grants management, ideally in a technical, research, or start-up environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, budget tracking, and documentation management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Digitally fluent – comfortable using spreadsheets, shared drives, and project tracking tools.
• Reliable, discreet with sensitive information, and comfortable working independently in a small, collaborative team.
• Experience coordinating multi-partner R&D or innovation projects.
• Familiarity with grant-funded environments (e.g. IUK, CBE JU).
• Background in a scientific or technical start-up.
• Degree in business, engineering, or a related field.

Why Join Us?

At Nova Biochem, you’ll join a small, mission-driven team turning breakthrough science into real-world impact. This is a chance to help shape a company at the forefront of the shift toward circular, low-carbon chemistry – where your work will directly influence how we grow and operate.

You’ll have ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to build systems that last, all within a culture that values integrity, curiosity, and balance. If you’re motivated by purpose and want to see your contribution make a tangible difference, we’d love to hear from you.