The Vice President of Operations will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day operations and driving efficiency across the organisation. Reporting to the CEO, this role will lead process improvement initiatives, streamline cross‑functional operations, and ensure alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.
Working closely with functional leads, the VP of Operations will oversee implementation of new systems and technology, monitor financial and operational performance, and support key business decisions. The role will provide leadership across Operations, Project Management, and Digital and Data functions, managing external partners as needed, and will play a central role in delivering the company’s lead therapeutic program.
Responsibilities
* Lead project management for the lead candidate and broader pipeline, translating corporate goals into clear operational plans across clinical, manufacturing, and commercial functions
* Work with the SLT and department heads to design and implement operational processes, internal systems, reporting frameworks, and policies that align with company objectives
* Optimise use of talent, technology, and infrastructure to support company growth and ensure scalability through successive funding rounds
* Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, eliminate inefficiencies, and manage operational and quality risks through innovation and tight budget control
* Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including GMP, GCP, data integrity, and health and safety standards
* Monitor operational performance metrics to track progress and ensure targets are met efficiently
* Drive best practice adoption and process standardisation across the organisation
* Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline the path from development to market
* Champion long-term initiatives that build operational resilience and excellence
Financial Management
* Partner with the CFO and finance team to ensure operational plans are aligned with financial strategy, budgeting, and forecasting
* Oversee vendor relationships to ensure partnerships are cost-effective, strategically aligned, and deliver value
* Manage resource planning and allocation to support efficient execution against strategic goals
Leadership & Team Development
* Lead, develop, and support operational teams to meet both day-to-day objectives and long-term priorities
* Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement in line with core company values
Qualifications & Experience
* Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, Life Sciences, or a related field (MBA or PhD preferred).
* Ability to drive performance in line with strategy, strong leadership and engagement skills, cultural fluency, vision, expertise in continuous improvement, knowledge of process transformation, and risk management
* Minimum of 10 years of experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, particularly in cell therapy with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
* Proven track record of developing and executing successful business strategies.
* Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial performance.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to navigate complex business environments and make data-driven decisions.
* Experience in cell therapy is highly desirable.
* Experience working with boards and committees is highly desirable.
Skills & Attributes
* Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
* Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
* Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams.
* Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
* High level of integrity and professionalism.
* Demonstrated independence, problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, resourcefulness and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
* Excellent communication skills with an ability to efficiently and productively communicate both verbally and in writing across all levels of the organization and externally.