Research & Operations Manager

Hi there, we're Kynd Hair – Europe's first plant-based hair extensions brand.

Why plant-based?

Regular extensions are made from fossil-based plastics: they can cause skin irritation, are not recyclable, and create millions of kilograms of plastic waste every year.

Founded in 2023, we're on a mission to bring plant-based, sustainable and yet highly functional products to market.

After years of research and development, we're looking for someone to help us grow from startup to scaleup.

Who we're looking for

As our R&D & Operations Manager, your main job is to drive our product development, scale up our production and keep our day-to-day operations running.

You take our fiber from pilot-scale to launch-ready and beyond: you steer the trials with our research and production partners and work closely with our suppliers, toxicologists and other consultants.

And when a batch behaves differently than the last one, you're the person who finds out why.

Part-time, at least 21 hours per week (more possible, position might turn into full-time), starting 1st of October 2026.

This role is based in Berlin and requires you to live here.

Day to day we work mostly remotely, with in-person days when needed and more of them during your first weeks.

• Your tasks
• You drive the development and continuous optimization of our hair fibers together with our founder and research partners
• You coordinate our fiber development trials with research institutes and production partners, and join them on-site when it matters
• You evaluate fiber samples, from look and feel to functionality, and coordinate external testing and analysis (e. g. toxicology, biodegradability, skin-friendliness) with our partner labs and service providers
• You own our supply chain: you source and order raw materials according to the highest health and sustainability standards
• You keep an overview of our production runs and coordinate timing and deliveries with our compounding, production and packaging partners
• You set up and own quality management and relevant certifications of our products (biodegradability, skin-friendliness etc.)
• You own our regulatory compliance (e. g. the Green Claims directive): you track upcoming requirements and initiate the necessary steps
• You support our patent filings and write grant applications and reports

Your profile

• You have a degree in polymer science, materials science, chemistry, chemical or process engineering, or mechanical/textile engineering with a materials focus
• You have hands-on experience with polymer processing (extrusion, compounding or fibers), whether from industry, your studies/Ph D or research projects
• You work independently: you structure unclear problems, make informed assumptions and drive topics forward
• You enjoy working in a fast-paced startup environment, you're comfortable taking on tasks that are unfamiliar to you and stepping outside your comfort zone
• You're a great communicator, very well structured and reliable
• You're highly proactive, self-sufficient and solution-oriented
• You're passionate about sustainability and health, and the idea of building a new generation of hair fibers excites you
• You speak English fluently; good German is a big plus, as many of our partners communicate in German

Why join Kynd?

• Real ownership and responsibility: you take over a core part of the company, not a support function – steep learning curve guaranteed.
• Shape a company, not just a role: as one of our first team members, you help decide how we work, not just what you work on.
• An important mission: as a Black-owned and woman-led company, we're rooted in sustainability and health, building for a community that deserves better products.
• Flexible working: hybrid setup, flexible hours, in-person days in Berlin when it matters.

How to apply

If you've read this far and ticked (almost) every box, we'd love to hear from you.

Send your CV and a short note on why this role fits you to jobs@kyndhair. com by 7 September 2026.

We value diversity and inclusion and welcome people from all backgrounds. You can read more about Kynd Hair and our background here.