Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Biomass Production

Job Overview

We are seeking a Head of Operations / COO to lead our biomass production and supply chain operations in the Philippines. This role is pivotal in ensuring sustainable forestry, efficient biomass feedstock processing, and seamless delivery to energy partners. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in large-scale biomass operations, compliance with FSC and Philippine environmental standards, and a track record of optimizing supply chains for bioenergy markets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Biomass Production & Forestry Operations

Oversee end-to-end operations, including:

• Silviculture & Sustainable Feedstock Sourcing (e.g., fast-growing plantations, agroforestry residues). Harvesting & Processing (600,000m³/year of biomass feedstock for sawlogs, pulp, and energy use). Transport & Logistics (cost-efficient delivery to biomass plants, ports, or offtake partners). Roads & Infrastructure Maintenance (ensuring access to remote feedstock areas). Workshop & Equipment Optimization (downtime reduction for harvesting/processing machinery).

2. Biomass Supply Chain for Energy Markets

• Coordinate with energy partners (e.g., biomass power plants, pellet producers) to align supply with demand. Optimize feedstock quality control (moisture content, contamination reduction) to meet energy conversion standards. Develop circular economy initiatives (e.g., utilizing waste residues for additional biomass feedstock).

3. Sustainability & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with: FSC/PEFC certification (sustainable forestry), Philippine regulations (DENR, NCIP for indigenous communities) and Carbon neutrality goals (tracking emissions from harvesting to transport). Lead community engagement programs to support ethical sourcing and local employment.

4. Data-Driven Operational Excellence

• Analyze “big data” from harvesting, processing, and transport to optimize yields and reduce waste. Implement KPIs (e.g., cost per ton, feedstock conversion efficiency) and drive corrective actions. Benchmark against global biomass industry standards for continuous improvement.

5. Stakeholder & Customer Management

• Lead sales/flow meetings with biomass energy offtakers, ensuring contractual obligations are met. Engage with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to maintain operational licenses and social trust.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years in forestry/biomass operations, with 5+ years in leadership (COO, GM, or similar).
• Proven background in biomass-to-energy supply chains (e.g., feedstock for power plants, pelletizing, biogas).
• Strong knowledge of Philippine environmental & forestry laws (DENR, FSC, NCIP).
• Data-savvy leader with experience in operational KPIs, ERP systems, and process optimization.
• Community liaison experience (landowner negotiations, CSR programs).