This exciting biotech start-up is developing an innovative product that aims to simplify and accelerate protein research. Their mission is to empower scientists to focus on solving real-world problems rather than routine manual processes. Backed by leading investors, the company is on an ambitious growth path, building tools that support the future of medicine and biologics.
The Role:
As Director of Operations, you’ll play a central role in building the operational backbone of the company as it scales. This is a high-impact leadership role, perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced, hands-on environments and is excited by the opportunity to shape how a growing biotech operates from the inside out.
You’ll take ownership of the company’s operational strategy - from lab and facilities management through to compliance, supplier relationships, and systems infrastructure. This is a chance to bring together people, processes and platforms to help the company scale with purpose.
You’ll work directly with the CEO and senior team, helping to translate ambitious plans into practical, scalable operations. You'll also manage a small but growing ops team and lead key external relationships across suppliers, contractors and landlords.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development and execution of a scalable operational strategy across all core areas: lab and facilities, IT, supplier management, legal, HR, and compliance
* Ensure seamless day-to-day operations, particularly in lab and facilities, maintaining high standards for safety, compliance, and performance
* Build, lead, and mentor an operations team as the company expands
* Own key external relationships, including contract negotiations with suppliers and partners
* Manage regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g. HSE, ISO), risk management, and operational audits
* Work with Finance on budget planning, spend tracking, and procurement
* Contribute to long-term strategic planning as part of the senior leadership team
About You
* Proven experience in operational leadership roles, ideally in biotech, life sciences, or engineering
* A strong track record of scaling operations in a high-growth or start-up environment
* Experience managing technical/lab-based environments and facilities
* Confident leading across compliance, supplier negotiations, contracts and risk
* Proven leadership experience with the ability to build and inspire cross-functional teams
* A strategic thinker with a hands-on, pragmatic approach to delivery
* Financial fluency, especially around budgeting and resource planning
What’s on Offer
* A high-impact leadership role in an ambitious biotech company
* The opportunity to build and shape a critical business function from the ground up
* Share options scheme
* Competitive salary circa £90,000 (depending on experience)
* A collaborative, mission-driven team working at the intersection of biology, engineering, and data