Vice President, Operations

Company Overview 

At Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara), we exist to re-engineer nature’s pantry, reimagine human nutrition, and revitalize wellness and the environment. We believe there has never been a more critical need to evolve health ingredients for human nutrition and related industries using the power of science and nature to build a more sustainable and healthier world.  

Mara’s remarkable journey has transformed us from a research & development startup into a global leader within the precision fermentation omega-3 oil industry, encompassing pivotal sectors such as food, beverage, and infant nutrition. Our commitment to commercializing our unique patent-protected technologies, coupled with the expertise of our diverse and exceptionally talented team, has been the driving force behind our success.
 

The Position 

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the VP of Operations will lead the end-to-end operational strategy and execution across our global network. This role is responsible for building out global manufacturing capabilities (precision fermentation and finished oil refining) that will enable future expansion of our business as well as driving excellence across supply chain, quality, and engineering functions. 

This individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our global operational activities are efficient, scalable, and aligned with the company’s growth strategy — balancing strong external partnerships with the development of internal capabilities. 

This role can be based anywhere in Canada or the US. Regular travel to Nova Scotia will be required.

Key Responsibilities 

The main responsibilities of this position include: 

Strategic Leadership 

• Serve as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, business planning, and cross-functional decision making. 

• Lead the global operations strategy, ensuring alignment with company goals for growth, cost efficiency, and quality excellence. 

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability across all operational teams. 

Manufacturing & Partnership Management 

• Lead and manage key external manufacturing relationships, including with our strategic partners. 

• Negotiate and manage contracts, performance metrics, and long-term relationship value with our Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). 

• Ensure supply continuity, quality, and operational excellence through close collaboration with partners. 

Asset Development 

• Drive the strategy and execution of our global manufacturing capabilities. 

• Evaluate and execute investment opportunities that strengthen supply resilience and operational control. 

Supply Chain, Quality & Engineering Leadership 

• Oversee global supply chain operations to ensure reliability, cost efficiency, and sustainability. 

• Oversee quality assurance and quality control functions to meet regulatory, customer, and internal standards. 

• Direct the engineering function to support capacity expansion, technical innovation, and process optimization. 

People & Performance 

• Build and lead a high-performing global operations organization with clear accountability, strong collaboration, and measurable outcomes. 

• Mentor and develop future operations leaders within the business. 

• Foster a strong partnership mindset across all teams and geographies. 

Required Skills and Experience 

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, and ideally supply chain within the biotech / nutraceutical / food manufacturing / chemical industry. 

• Proven success managing complex CMO partnerships and driving operational performance across global networks. 

• Experience leading site development projects (greenfield or brownfield) and/or M&A-related operational integration. 

• Strong background in supply chain strategy, quality systems, and engineering management. 

• Exceptional negotiation, relationship management, and cross-functional leadership skills. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. 

What We Offer 

Mara is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to:
 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan 

• Employee & Family Assistance Program 

• RRSP matching program 

• Health care spending account 

• Physical Wellness Reimbursement Plan 

At Mara we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including persons who identify as racially visible, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, women in underrepresented roles and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mara supports candidates and employees with access and accommodation needs.