Chief Operating Officer

About BEAM Circular

BEAM Circular is building a regional platform that helps communities turn waste streams into economic opportunity, supporting the circular bioeconomy in California’s agricultural core. Centered in the North San Joaquin Valley, the organization brings partners together through the BioEconomy, Agriculture, & Manufacturing (BEAM) Initiative to accelerate promising bioindustrial manufacturing solutions. Its work spans public-private efforts focused on innovation, capital access, infrastructure, workforce and talent development, and partnerships that create environmental and economic value for local communities.

The team is mission-led, energetic, and collaborative. BEAM Circular is looking for people who are willing to work hands-on, stay outcome-focused, approach challenges with curiosity, and lead with kindness and cooperation while contributing to meaningful impact for people and the planet. The organization also emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and welcomes applicants of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, national origins, and abilities.

Role Overview

The Chief Operating Officer is the organization’s top internal executive and operating integrator. In this role, you will turn strategy into execution by leading operations, performance systems, and internal coordination across the organization.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, you will help ensure that programs, teams, and operational functions are aligned, adequately supported, and producing strong results. The position is intended to deepen internal accountability and coordination so the CEO can concentrate on external strategy, partnerships, and fundraising as the organization grows.

Key Responsibilities

You will act as a strategic operational partner to the CEO, helping translate mission, vision, and priorities into practical plans and measurable deliverables. You will support organization-wide alignment across programs, operations, and finance, and help guide cross-functional decisions tied to funding obligations and long-term strategy.

You will oversee core internal functions such as operations, finance, human resources, legal compliance, and policy implementation in collaboration with the Senior Director of Finance & Operations. This includes maintaining strong financial controls, ensuring grant and nonprofit compliance, supervising grants systems and reporting, administering contracts, and identifying operational risks before they become issues.

You will also build and maintain systems for performance tracking, impact measurement, and organizational learning. A key part of the role is leading planning cycles, review routines, and accountability processes that promote transparency and continuous improvement.

In addition, you will help shape a healthy internal culture by strengthening communication, clarifying responsibilities and workflows, and supporting staff development and team capacity. You will serve as the CEO’s primary internal representative for day-to-day leadership and may also represent the organization in selected meetings related to operations, implementation, or financial partnerships.

Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and the organization expects compliance with all policies and procedures, including workplace safety, injury reporting, infection control, and risk prevention for staff, clients, and others. The role may involve driving on company business.

Experience and Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be accepted. Academic or professional background related to the circular bioeconomy is strongly preferred, especially in biotechnology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, or similar areas.

You should bring at least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior-level oversight of complex organizations, portfolios, or initiatives. Experience across both nonprofit and private-sector settings is considered especially valuable. Background in organizational scaling, systems development, and growth-stage operations is preferred, along with prior responsibility for substantial philanthropic funding and/or public-sector grants.

The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of nonprofit and mission-driven operations, including governance, finance, compliance, and regulatory oversight. Experience working in public-sector and multi-sector environments, including public-private partnerships, stakeholder alignment, collaborative governance, impact investing, and blended capital models, is important.

You should also have a strong grasp of the needs of early-stage and growth-oriented organizations, including limited resources, system-building, and the ability to scale with discipline. This position calls for strong strategic and operational judgment, the ability to convert vision into executable plans, and the confidence to lead multiple priorities in fast-changing settings.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills are essential, along with the ability to influence and align a broad range of stakeholders and communities. Leadership should be grounded in integrity, accountability, sound judgment, and consistent commitment to mission and values.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This role is primarily office-based, with about 95% of time spent indoors in a standard office setting. It involves frequent computer use for up to eight hours, a fast pace, and occasional interruptions. You should also be able to travel or move between work locations as needed.

Physical requirements include the ability to walk, reach, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs. The role may require moving, carrying, pushing, pulling, or lifting items up to 20 pounds. You should be comfortable using a keyboard, observing details at close range, communicating clearly in English, exchanging accurate information, and maintaining regular, consistent attendance.

Compensation and Work Arrangement

Pay is based on experience, with a salary range of $160,000 to $185,000 annually and a competitive benefits package. The position is located in Modesto, California. Hybrid work may be allowed.

Additional Information

BEAM Circular is committed to equal opportunity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. The organization values curiosity, collaboration, kindness, accountability, and a strong results orientation.