Solugen

Houston, TX 77035

Position

Jr. Chief of Staff

About Solugen:

Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world’s first sustainable molecule factory—the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels—all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Ready to shape the future? Join us.

Are you passionate about sustainable solutions and combating climate change? We're always on the lookout for dynamic individuals who blend passion with high intellect, capability, and adaptability. We are looking for individuals who are propelled by curiosity, are not afraid to ask questions, and constantly incorporate feedback into their work. As a self-starter, you’ll embrace the pace and uncertainty of startup culture– that’s where the best ideas flourish. At our core, we prioritize safety above all, value respect for others, and consider creative problem-solving a superpower.

Mission

Solugen’s mission is to decarbonize chemicals manufacturing. Having built a successful commercial bio-manufacturing plant here in Houston, TX, Solugen continues to pioneer growth and development of commercial manufacturing plants and sustainably produced chemicals throughout the country. As the Jr. Chief of Staff in our startup, your mission is to be the right hand to the CEO, ensuring operational excellence, strategic alignment, and rapid execution of our vision. You will wear many hats. Initially you will develop time management strategy for and with the CEO. You will grow into a capability to spearhead special projects and initiatives critical to our growth. By providing strategic guidance, streamlining processes, and optimizing resources, you will empower our team to navigate the complexities of scaling a startup and achieve our ambitious goals efficiently and effectively. This job comes with the opportunity for promotion to chief of staff and/or other key operating positions within the company.

Key Outcomes

• Executive Support (within 3 months)
  • Provide comprehensive support to the CEO, including managing schedules, preparing materials for all-hands/board meetings, and drafting communications from the ELT/CEO to the company or to the board/investors
  • Support the CEO during any fundraising activities or serve as the backup during meetings to gather insights, updates, and provide guidance on behalf of the CEO
• Strategic Alignment (within 3 months)
  • Ensure alignment between the CEO's vision and the company's day-to-day activities, guiding decision-making processes to stay on track with Grand Challenges
• Project Management (within 3 months)
  • Assist the CEO in overseeing key projects and initiatives, ensuring they are executed successfully and delivered on time while providing guidance and analytical thinking to the ELT/CEO
• Operational Efficiency (within 6 months)
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to optimize processes to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across the organization (SLT and ELT), enabling smoother day-to-day functioning
• Stakeholder Management (within 6 months)
  • Build and maintain relationship with key stakeholders, including investors, customers, and internal employees
  • Representing the company professionally and promoting its mission during external activities and managing the communications and PR on behalf of the CEO

Key Competencies

Job Specific

• Deep understanding of the volume and strategic needs at a startup

• Ability to categorize the roles an investor or customer plays in a start-up

• Ability to influence key stakeholders effectively

• Strong leadership abilities and exceptional interpersonal skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

• Crisis communication; navigates uncertainty with resilience and composure

• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in fast-paced environments

Company Specific

• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work

• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture

• A passion for green chemistry and fighting climate change

• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule

• Be comfortable working in multiple roles

• Emphasize safety above all else

• Respect for others

• Creative problem solving

• Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of work experience in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, preferably in consulting and/or a startup company

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data

• The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency with standard office software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workplace, and Slack

• A genuine passion for the company's mission, vision, and values

Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.