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- Tasks: Lead and scale operations in a fast-growing biotech company.
- Company: Join a well-funded biotech firm in Cambridge, focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, share options, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biotech with autonomy and influence in a mission-driven team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership within biotech or life sciences is essential.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to build scalable systems from the ground up.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge, UK (On-site)
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 + Share Options
Full-Time, Permanent
A confidential, well-funded biotech company based in Cambridge is seeking a Director of Operations to lead and scale its internal operations during a high-growth phase. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of core business functions and help shape the operational foundations of a fast-moving, mission-driven organisation.
Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will build scalable systems across lab operations, supplier and facilities management, compliance, and internal infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring experience from a biotech or life sciences environment, combined with a hands-on and solutions-focused approach.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and deliver the company's operational strategy to support growth and scalability.
- Oversee lab and facilities operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance.
- Lead supplier and contractor relationships, including negotiation of key commercial agreements.
- Establish and refine internal processes across compliance, legal, IT, HR, and general operations.
- Build and mentor a growing operations team.
- Support financial planning, budgeting, and resource management.
- Manage risk and ensure readiness for relevant regulatory or quality frameworks.
- Demonstratable experience in operational leadership, ideally in a biotech or life sciences setting.
- Demonstrated experience scaling internal operations in a start-up or high-growth environment.
- Proven ability to manage lab or technical facilities operations.
- Strong background in compliance, supplier negotiation, and team leadership.
- Financially literate with sound commercial judgment.
- Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset.
- Familiarity with ISO standards, quality systems, or laboratory safety frameworks.
- Previous experience leading cross-functional or technical teams.
- Salary range: £70,000 - £90,000 depending on experience.
- Share option scheme.
- Leadership role in a growing and well-supported biotech business.
- Autonomy and influence to shape operations from the ground up.
- Collaborative and ambitious team culture.
Please submit your CV quoting reference 10054.
Director of Operations - Biotech employer: Lord Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Lord Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations - Biotech
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the biotech industry, especially those who have experience in operational leadership. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in biotech operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly to understand its mission, values, and current projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to scale operations and manage compliance in a biotech setting. Highlight any successful projects where you led teams or improved processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with relevant regulatory frameworks and quality systems in the biotech industry. Being knowledgeable about ISO standards or laboratory safety protocols can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations - Biotech
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational leadership within the biotech or life sciences sector. Emphasise your achievements in scaling operations and managing lab facilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and solutions-focused approach. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved operational processes in previous roles.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Since compliance is crucial for this role, ensure you detail your experience with regulatory frameworks and quality systems. If you have familiarity with ISO standards, make it known!
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, illustrate your ability to build and mentor teams. Provide examples of how you've led cross-functional teams and fostered a collaborative culture in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lord Search & Selection
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Operations, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in a biotech or life sciences setting, focusing on your ability to scale operations and manage cross-functional teams.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The company is looking for someone who can develop and deliver operational strategies. Prepare to share your thought process on how you would approach scaling their operations, including any frameworks or methodologies you prefer.
✨Highlight Compliance Knowledge
Given the importance of compliance in biotech, be ready to discuss your experience with regulatory frameworks and quality systems. Mention any familiarity with ISO standards or laboratory safety protocols to show you're well-versed in industry requirements.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Engage with the interviewers by preparing insightful questions about the company's growth plans, team culture, and operational challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
