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- Tasks: Lead operations strategy and manage a growing team in a fast-paced biotech start-up.
- Company: Join an innovative biotech start-up focused on revolutionising protein research for real-world impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, share options, and a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of medicine while empowering scientists to focus on impactful research.
- Qualifications: Proven operational leadership experience in biotech or high-growth environments is essential.
- Other info: Work closely with the CEO and senior team to drive strategic planning and execution.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 126000 £ per year.
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
Director of Operations employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the biotech industry, especially those who have experience in operational roles. Attend industry conferences or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in biotech operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific challenges and opportunities within the biotech sector, particularly around scaling operations. Understanding these nuances will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading teams and managing compliance frameworks. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated operational challenges in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and product offerings. Being able to articulate how your operational strategies can align with their goals will show your genuine interest and commitment to their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational leadership, particularly in biotech or life sciences. Emphasise your achievements in scaling operations and managing technical environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the biotech industry and how your strategic thinking aligns with the company's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed compliance in previous roles.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Clearly outline your leadership experience and ability to inspire cross-functional teams. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've built and mentored teams in fast-paced environments.
Showcase Financial Acumen: Since the role involves budget planning and resource management, include any relevant experience you have in financial fluency. Discuss how you've contributed to financial planning and procurement processes in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp the company's mission to simplify and accelerate protein research. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to empowering scientists.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your proven leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and led teams in high-growth environments, particularly in biotech or life sciences.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to lab management, compliance, and supplier negotiations. Brush up on relevant regulations and frameworks like HSE and ISO, and be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in past roles.
✨Discuss Strategic Thinking
The role requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach. Be prepared to share your thoughts on operational strategies you've implemented in the past and how you would approach building the operational backbone of this start-up.
