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

Are you experienced in managing labs, facilities, and stakeholder-rich ecosystems, and do you enjoy building strong community cultures while turning operational challenges into smooth, scalable solutions? Then we might have the perfect opportunity at BioInnovation Institute (BII), where 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.

The BioInnovation Institute (BII) is a Danish non-profit foundation established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2018. Its mission is to accelerate research and startups to bring forward bold solutions that improve human and planetary health. BII supports collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation across Life Sciences, Quantum Science, and Deep Tech, helping transform cutting-edge research into viable companies so that new discoveries can deliver real impact for people and society.

The location for this job is based in London, UK.

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. In this role, 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 play a central role in making the location a highly functional, compliant, and connected environment that supports both scientific work and early-stage company growth.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing daily operations of lab and office space, ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-functioning environment
• Managing relationships with landlords and local infrastructure providers, ensuring smooth coordination of facility needs
• Ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and lab standards (including BSL1 and BSL2 environments)
• Managing vendors and service providers (equipment, consumables, maintenance, and lab services)
• Overseeing space allocation for residents within the site
• Managing operational budgets, procurement processes, and ongoing cost tracking
• Leading or overseeing lab operations and supporting lab facility management (including project leadership for operational and administrative staff)
• Acting as direct manager for lab technicians and day-to-day supervisor of operational support staff
• Building and maintaining relationships within the broader ecosystem, including CROs, industry partners, and academic infrastructure
• Driving cross-site collaboration, community building, events, and knowledge sharing across BII locations
• Supporting 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 become part of a small on-site UK team, reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

We are looking for a highly experienced and hands-on professional who thrives in operational environments and is motivated by enabling science and innovation through well-run physical infrastructure. Ideally, you bring the following experience and competencies:

• 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
• Demonstrated 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
• 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

In addition to the above, the role requires occasional travel within Europe between our locations.

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. Further details can be discussed during the interview process.

At BII we offer a purpose-driven community where science and innovation create meaningful change and impact in society. BII’s entrepreneurial environment is shaped and nurtured every day by our employees, start-ups, and everyone who joins us in bringing science to life. This role offers a unique opportunity to join Europe’s largest innovation and incubation initiative within life sciences and deep tech. At BII, we value diversity, inclusion, and well-being at the core of our operations, believing that the best ideas emerge when diverse perspectives unite.

If you are curious to know more about the position, please contact Christian Rank, Chief Development Officer on e-mail: chr@bii.dk. 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.

To apply, please send your CV and academic certificates as well as answer the screening questions by clicking the “Apply now” button. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible and no later than June 1st, 2026.

The interview process consists of two rounds, expected to take place between early and mid-June 2026. First-round interviews are planned for early June (virtual), while second-round interviews are expected to take place around 18–19 June or 22 June 2026 (in person, London).