Role Overview

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader to head our Process Development group and drive the scale-up of our precision fermentation technology from lab to commercial manufacturing. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across upstream bioprocess development, downstream processing, and external manufacturing. This includes overseeing technology transfer activities and acting as the key interface between internal stakeholders and contract manufacturing partners.

Location: Frankfurt am Main

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About Formo

At Formo, we’re rebuilding dairy to help create a just and resilient food system.

Using precision fermentation, we produce real, bio-identical milk proteins, starting with casein, without the need for animals.

As a B2B ingredient company, we partner with leading food manufacturers to bring next-generation dairy products to market. We focus on developing and scaling high-performance dairy proteins that enable our partners to create exceptional products.

Our work sits at the intersection of molecular biology, food science, and industrial biotechnology. By combining cutting-edge science with deep application expertise, we empower the dairy industry to deliver products that are indulgent, functional, and more sustainable - without compromise.

Formo is a venture-backed, fast-growing company with an international team of entrepreneurs, scientists, and operators united by the ambition to transform dairy from within the industry. Together with our partners, we are shaping a future where animal-free dairy proteins unlock new possibilities for innovation at global scale.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing bioprocess team built on trust, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Define team priorities and strategic direction aligned with company milestones and commercial goals

• Foster an entrepreneurial, ownership-driven and data-informed team culture

Bioprocess Development & Scale-Up

• Lead end-to-end bioprocess development from lab scale through pilot and commercial manufacturing

• Oversee upstream and downstream process development, including fermentation, recovery, purification, and formulation

• Drive process optimization and ensure robust, reproducible scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing partners

External Manufacturing & Collaboration

• Manage CDMO and external research partnerships, including performance, batch execution, and process compliance

• Ensure effective technology transfer, deviation management, and continuous improvement at external sites

• Coordinate cross-functional alignment with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams

About You

Education & Experience

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field

• +5 years of leadership experience in biotech, bioprocessing, CDMO, or related fields

• Proven track record in delivering bioprocess development and scale-up programs through commercial manufacturing

Technical Expertise

• Strong expertise in upstream bioprocess development (microbial or fungal fermentation systems) and downstream processing (filtration, centrifugation, chromatography, formulation)

• Experience in technology transfer, scale-up activities, and external manufacturing management

• Familiarity with GMP environments and relevant quality and regulatory standards

Leadership & Mindset

• Entrepreneurial, hands-on leader with strong people leadership, emotional intelligence, and integrity; thrives in fast-paced and ambiguous environments

• Decisive and resilient, passionate about coaching and developing teams while fostering accountability and continuous improvement

Collaboration & Communication

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across technical and non-technical audiences

• Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams

• Structured, data-driven approach to project and performance management

• Fluent in English; German is a plus

Why you’ll love it here

Ready to shake things up?

At Formo, you don’t just trade your labor for compensation - you join a mission. One powered by frontier science, real-world impact, and a team of brilliant, driven people who care deeply about what they’re building.

You’ll work side by side with interdisciplinary experts across highly skilled entrepreneurs, scientists, and operators. We believe the best ideas emerge when diverse perspectives collide, and when people are trusted with responsibility, autonomy, and meaningful challenges.

We’re building something ambitious, and we take the work seriously - but not ourselves. Expect close collaboration, fast learning and innovation, and a culture that celebrates progress (often with cheese tastings 🧀).

What we offer:

• Help reinvent one of the world’s most iconic food categories

• Participate in employee equity and build long-term ownership in what we’re creating

• Benefit from regular team off-sites, monthly perks like discounted public transport passes and fitness memberships

• Invest in your growth with a dedicated annual development budget for learning, training, and conferences

• Enjoy 28 days of paid vacation, and an additional day after 3 and 4 years tenure

• Make an impact on the environment and society with 1 (fully paid) Team Impact Day

• Work in an innovative office and lab environment with access to cutting-edge food and biotech infrastructure

• Connect over regular team lunches, healthy and not so healthy snacks and drinks and shared moments that bring the team together

If you’re excited by the idea of sending cows on an endless vacation, applying world-class science and business thinking to a global challenge, and building the future of food from the inside - you’ll love it at Formo.

Disclaimer

Formo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, genetic information, color, physical or mental disability, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.