Director of Operations - Biotech

Lord Search & Selection


Date: 6 hours ago
City: Cambridge, England
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 per year
Contract type: Full time

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'll 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.


Candidate Profile


  • 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.


Desirable (not essential)


  • Familiarity with ISO standards, quality systems, or laboratory safety frameworks.
  • Previous experience leading cross-functional or technical teams.


What's on Offer


  • 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


How to Apply


Please submit your CV quoting reference 10054.

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