General Manager - IProof | Primient
About Primient
Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. We’re investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we’re focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly driven and results-oriented General Manager (GM) for iPROOF, a cutting-edge biomanufacturing facility aimed at revolutionizing bioproduct innovation in the U.S. As GM, you will play a critical role in overseeing the facility’s day-to-day operations, ensuring the success of Primient’s joint venture with Synonym by driving operational excellence and innovation while maintaining safe operations. You will work closely with key stakeholders to align the facility's capabilities with the broader objectives of advancing sustainable solutions within the bioproduct industry.
In this role, you will coordinate and direct plant renovations, team buildout, commissioning, operations and financial performance for a new, state-of-the-art precision fermentation contract manufacturing facility slated to begin operations in 2026. This role will oversee 12-15 direct reports to be hired at a later date.
Location: Decatur, IL
Key responsibilities: General Manager
- Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and innovation
- Liaise between Synonym leadership and Primient leadership and support staff
- Safely ensure efficient and compliant operations, including tech transfer, production, quality, and supply chain management
- Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity while optimizing costs
- Provide regular updates and reporting to joint leadership team
- Establish transparent communication and alignment with all stakeholders
- Develop, secure approval for, and implement the strategic vision and business plan for the joint venture in alignment with overarching organizational goals
- Identify opportunities for growth, market expansion, and innovation in biomanufacturing
- Engage in business development activities, including direct client interactions and contract negotiations
- Maintain operations which meet regulatory requirements and industry standards
- Hire, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing cross-functional team
- Establish and monitor KPIs to track operational efficiency, financial performance, and project milestones
- Conduct regular performance evaluations
- Regularly review and adjust strategies based on KPI performance
- Travel to our Schaumburg, IL Headquarters required, frequency TBD
About You
- MS degree or equivalent experience in Engineering or Biotechnology
- 10+ years of relevant experience in fermentation or small/large-scale manufacturing operations, with a focus on diverse fermentation processes
- Tech conversion experience
- Proven leadership experience at an operational level
- Previous managerial experience, including personnel management and responsibility for large budgets
- Demonstrated expertise in delivering operational and financial business targets
- Strong ability to communicate and strategize cross-functionally
- Demonstrated ability to blend technical expertise with strategic business insight, driving both operational success and business growth
- A leader who continuously seeks out new technologies and methodologies to improve processes and outcomes
- Strong skills in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams and senior leaders, to ensure alignment and drive project success
Total Rewards
The annual pay range estimated for this position is $133,120.00 - $199,680.00 and is bonus eligible.
Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
Competitive Pay
Multiple Healthcare plan choices
Dental and vision insurance
A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans
Paid holidays & vacation
Floating days off
Parental leave for new parents
Employee resource groups
Learning & development programs
Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future
Career Path & Culture
Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning.
Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow,
Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")
The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.