Head of Site Operations at BioInnovation Institute Foundation (UK) in London

We are looking for a Head of Site Operations to lead operational activities at our UK location and ensure a well‑functioning environment for scientific innovation and pre‑commercial startups.

As a Head of Site Operations, you will become part of a passionate UK team dedicated to building and operating a world‑class innovation and lab environment that enables scientific innovations and early startups to thrive. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth daily operation of the location, combining lab and facility management, stakeholder coordination, and ecosystem building. You will oversee everything from operational infrastructure and vendor management to community building and cross‑location connectivity, ensuring the site operates seamlessly while strengthening collaboration and connectivity across BII’s European activities.

• Oversee daily operations of lab and office space, ensuring a safe, efficient, and well‑functioning environment
• Manage relationships with landlords and local infrastructure providers, ensuring smooth coordination of facility needs
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and lab standards (including BSL1 and BSL2 environments)
• Manage vendors and service providers (equipment, consumables, maintenance, and lab services)
• Oversee space allocation for residents within the site
• Manage operational budgets, procurement processes, and ongoing cost tracking
• Lead or oversee lab operations and support lab facility management (including project leadership for operational and administrative staff)
• Act as direct manager for lab technicians and day‑to‑day supervisor of operational support staff
• Build and maintain relationships within the broader ecosystem, including CROs, industry partners, and academic infrastructure
• Drive cross‑site collaboration, community building, events, and knowledge sharing across BII locations
• Support the positioning of the location as a key local innovation and collaboration node

This is a full‑time position based on‑site in London, UK, King’s Cross, with responsibility for the UK location and close collaboration with other European locations. You will report to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience within biotech, pharma, startups, or research facility operations, ideally at Director or Senior Operational level
• Strong background in lab operations, research facility management, or startup operations
• Proven experience in budgeting, vendor management, and operational cost control
• Experience working in BSL1 and BSL2 environments, with knowledge of UK Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. GLP certification is not required, but familiarity with GLP regulations is a benefit.
• Experience working in or closely with early‑stage companies and innovation ecosystems
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including event and community coordination
• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
• Fluent professional English, both written and spoken
• Travel within Europe between our locations is required on an occasional basis.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is £90,000‑£110,000, depending on relevant experience and expertise within the area. In addition to base salary, the role includes a bonus scheme as part of the overall compensation package.

We are committed to pay equity, ensuring equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or background. We welcome all applications and encourage candidates to apply regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio‑economic background. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where different perspectives contribute to innovation.