Chief Operating Officer

BEAM Circular seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the organization's senior internal leader and organizational integrator. The COO is responsible for translating BEAM’s strategy into effective execution by overseeing organizational operations, performance management, and internal systems. Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, the COO ensures that BEAM’s programs, operations, and teams are aligned, well-resourced, and delivering results.

This role is designed to strengthen internal coordination and accountability, enabling the CEO to focus on external strategy, partnerships, and fundraising as BEAM enters its next phase of growth.

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO in operationalizing BEAM’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Translate organizational strategy into clear annual and quarterly work plans with measurable goals and timelines.
• Drive cross-functional decision-making to align programs, operations, and finance with external-facing initiatives, funding requirements, and long‑term organizational strategy.
• Supervise and support senior internal leaders, including the Chief Program Officer and Senior Director of Finance & Operations, providing coaching and accountability.

• Oversee organizational operations, including finance, human resources, legal compliance, and internal policies, in partnership with the Senior Director of Finance & Operations.
• Ensure sound financial management, internal controls, and compliance with nonprofit and grant requirements.
• Oversee grants management systems, reporting processes, and contract administration.
• Identify and mitigate operational and organizational risks.

• Establish and oversee systems for performance tracking, impact measurement, and organizational learning.
• Lead regular internal planning, performance review, and accountability processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and results‑oriented execution.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing organizational culture.
• Support professional development and capacity‑building across teams.
• Strengthen internal communication and clarity of roles, decision‑making, and workflows.

• Act as the CEO’s primary internal proxy for day‑to‑day organizational leadership.
• Collaborate closely with the Leadership Team to ensure strong internal support and execution.
• Represent BEAM Circular in select external meetings related to operations, financial partnerships, or implementation, as appropriate.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience
  , including senior management of complex organizations or initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing operations, finance, and cross‑functional teams in a nonprofit, public‑sector, or mission‑driven organization.
• A mix of nonprofit and private sector experience is a plus, as well as exposure to public‑private partnerships, impact investing, and/or blended capital models.
• Experience supporting organizational growth, systems‑building, and scale‑up preferred.
• Experience managing significant philanthropic or public grants preferred.
• Educational or professional experience in a field relevant to the circular bioeconomy such as biotechnology, manufacturing, sustainability, and/or agriculture preferred.

• Strong strategic and operational leadership skills with the ability to translate vision into action in an early‑stage organization environment.
• Proven ability to manage complexity, prioritize effectively, and drive execution across teams.
• Deep understanding of nonprofit operations, financial management, and compliance.
• Understanding of public‑private or multi‑sector partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to BEAM’s mission and values.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse partners, stakeholders, and communities.

• Pay based on experience. Salary range is $160,000 - $185,000, with a competitive benefits package.

Position is based in Modesto, CA. Hybrid work arrangements may be permitted.