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Job description
About Big Kelp
Big Kelp is an innovative and environmentally focused startup headquartered in Picton, Marlborough, New Zealand. We are developing a scalable global business centered around giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), the fastest-growing organism on Earth. Our cultivation method enables the crop to sequester 30 times more CO2 compared to forests. Situated on the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound, we grow and harvest kelp to produce three categories of biodegradable products that replace CO2-emitting alternatives. Our process is sustainable, requiring no land, freshwater, or synthetic fertilizers, and employs a near-zero waste bio-refinery to maximize yield from every harvest.
Role Overview
We seek a highly capable Bio-refinery Site Foreman to be our first local hire in Picton, serving as the cornerstone of our operations there. This person will be the pivotal team leader supporting all other hires and reporting directly to the CEO, with responsibilities for building and managing the local ground crew and overseeing daily site activities as we scale up.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruit, train, and manage the ground crew working at the Picton facility.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and smooth daily operational workflows on site.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including hatchery technicians, cold-press operators, rack fabricators, and marine operations skippers.
- Oversee wet-line processing operations, making sure that fresh kelp biomass is cold-pressed effectively without heating or drying.
- Provide direct reports and updates to the CEO regarding site progress, operational challenges, and team management.
Candidate Profile
- Proven operational leader with experience in manufacturing, dairy processing, marine operations, or aquaculture sectors preferred.
- Pragmatic and hands-on manager who flourishes in dynamic startup environments and excels at building a team from scratch.
- Strong commitment to sustainability with a desire to contribute positively to ocean health, land and freshwater ecosystems, as well as fighting global warming.
Compensation and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary along with stock options, providing both financial and ownership incentives.