Manufacturing Manager
ConfidentialCompany Overview ZeroTwelve is developing Z12™, a biochar-based engineered material designed as a drop-in cement replacement that reduces concrete’s carbon footprint and locks carbon into the built environment. Founded in 2024 to commercialize Colorado School of Mines research, ZeroTwelve combines materials science, manufacturing, and construction-industry partnerships to scale a high-performance alternative to conventional cementitious materials. Position Summary ZeroTwelve is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Manager to lead day-to-day production at its Golden, Colorado manufacturing facility. The Manufacturing Manager will safely operate and optimize milling and powder-processing equipment that converts biochar into an engineered material for the concrete industry. The role is responsible for production scheduling, throughput, yield, quality, equipment reliability, inventory, operating records, and continuous improvement. The manager will initially supervise and train one team member while remaining actively engaged on the manufacturing floor. Location: Golden, Colorado — on-site Reports to: ZeroTwelve Leadership Direct Reports: Initially, one manufacturing team member Key Responsibilities Lead daily operations of the pilot/semi-production facility, including safe equipment operation and maintenance, production scheduling, and delivery of in-spec product. Plan and execute production schedules based on customer requirements, forecasts, raw-material availability, labor, equipment capacity, and maintenance needs. Coordinate with Quality Control, R&D, Supply Chain, and customer-facing teams on sampling, testing, traceability, nonconforming material, customer trials, and product/process improvements. Maintain and follow SOPs, work instructions, batch and lot records, inspection and maintenance logs, inventory records, and training documentation. Train, coach, and supervise manufacturing personnel; verify competency and ensure work is performed safely and to established standards. Troubleshoot process and equipment issues and lead practical improvements to safety, quality, capacity, reliability, maintainability, and cost. Communicate production status, results, downtime, quality issues, risks, and resource needs to leadership. Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting in concrete testing. Up to 10% Travel may be required Safety & EHS Own day-to-day Environmental, Health, and Safety performance for the manufacturing area and stop work when conditions or behaviors are unsafe. Develop and maintain safe operating procedures and equipment practices and ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. Train and verify employee competency in safe equipment operation and assigned tasks. Maintain required safety, inspection, training, and incident records and coordinate with leadership, consultants, regulators, and emergency responders as needed. Qualifications — Required Minimum 5 years of hands-on manufacturing, production, or process-equipment experience , with increasing responsibility for safe operation and troubleshooting; equivalent combinations of experience and training will be considered. Working knowledge of fine-powder material handling, dust collection, housekeeping, contamination control, and safe packaging and storage. Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to diagnose process and equipment issues using drawings, manuals, operating data, and direct observation. Ability to plan daily production, maintain accurate records, use basic computer applications, and communicate effectively with operators, technical personnel, leadership, suppliers, and customers. Ability and willingness to work on-site, perform hands-on production work, respond to operating issues, and adjust work hours as production or maintenance needs require. High school diploma or equivalent; college degree not required. Qualifications — Preferred Experience operating or maintaining milling, grinding, powder-processi…