Chief Operating Officer

About BEAM Circular:

BEAM Circular is unlocking the power of communities to transform waste into opportunity by building a vibrant regional ecosystem for the circular bioeconomy in California's agricultural heartland. Anchored in the North San Joaquin Valley, we are facilitating collaboration through the Bio Economy, Agriculture, & Manufacturing (BEAM) Initiative to scale the most promising innovations in bioindustrial manufacturing. Our work includes public-private projects and programs in the areas of innovation, access to capital, infrastructure, talent development, and cross-cutting partnerships to advance economic and environmental value for local communities.

We have a dynamic, mission-driven team and are looking for partners to join us who believe in rolling up their sleeves to contribute to a bold vision, who have a results-oriented, "get things done" mentality, who lead with curiosity, collaboration, and kindness; and who are dedicated to positive impact for people and the planet.

BEAM Circular is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourages individuals identifying with any race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and abilities to apply.

Position Summary:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as BEAM Circular'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.

Requirements

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership and Integration

• 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.

Operations, Finance, and Systems Oversight

• 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.

Performance Management and Impact

• 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.

Team Leadership and Culture

• 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.

Executive Partnership and Representation

• 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.

General BEAM Circular Team Collaboration

• May drive on company business.
• Comply with all BEAM Circular policies and procedures, including but not limited to workplace safety, reporting work-related injuries, Infection Control, and preventing potential safety risks for staff, clients, and others.
• The list of job duties and requirements is not all-inclusive. Management, at its discretion, may assign additional duties.

Education and Experience:

Education - Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience. Educational background or professional experience in fields aligned with the circular bioeconomy strongly preferred, including biotechnology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, or related disciplines.

Experience - Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior-level management of complex organizations, initiatives, or portfolios. Experience spanning both nonprofit and private sector environments is highly valued. Experience supporting organizational growth, systems-building,…