Director, Business Operations & Strategy (Site Head), BioLabs at Wellcome Genome Campus

BioLabs; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

BioLabs at Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridge, UK, seeks a Director of Business Operations & Strategy to lead strategic growth, partnerships, and daily site operations. You will drive ecosystem engagement, build a strong resident-startup pipeline, and oversee budgets and governance with the campus partners.

Collaboration with BioLabs HQ is essential to setting annual goals, financial accountability, and expanding BioLabs’ presence in a major biotech hub.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; PhD strongly preferred in life sciences.
• 3–5 years in leadership roles in business development, partnerships or marketing in biotech.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong relationship-building and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with campus occupiers and the broader Cambridge biotech ecosystem.
• Lead pipeline of resident life science startups and close deals throughout the sales cycle.
• Oversee site operations, finances, and team performance to drive growth and service quality.
• Develop annual budgets and strategic goals in collaboration with BioLabs HQ.
• Represent BioLabs at conferences and events to raise brand visibility and thought leadership.
• Manage partnerships and governance with Wellcome Genome Campus Limited and related stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic partnerships

Business development

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

PhD in life sciences or related field

Job description

BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company creating the physical and community backbone that powers life science discovery worldwide. Through a growing network of premium shared laboratories and coworking spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state-of-the-art research facilities, entrepreneurial programming, and deep industry and capital connections. These integrated ecosystems enable innovators - from early-stage founders to established R&D teams - to rapidly translate ideas into impact without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. The BioLabs network now spans major innovation hubs across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and a launchpad for breakthroughs that advance human health and sustainability. Learn more at www.biolabs.io.

About Wellcome Genome Campus

The Wellcome Genome Campus (WGC) is a globally renowned hub of life science innovation, research, and technology. Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Cambridgeshire, the campus is home to a growing community of world-leading institutes, innovative companies and scientific talent. some 2,200 brilliant minds work on Campus across genomics, biodata, health data and data science, harnessing machine learning and AI to discover new science and accelerate its translation into real world solutions to improve lives for everyone.

Backed by the Wellcome Trust, the Campus is world-recognised and expanding for the future. Supported by one of the largest contemporary investments in the UK’s life sciences infrastructure, the Campus is expected to grow from 125 to 440 acres over the next few years. Approved expansion plans will integrate historic buildings, parklands and wetlands, with contemporary lab, R&D, and commercial spaces, creating a beacon of possibility and global destination for innovation.

Role Overview

The Director, Business Operations & Strategy, at our new site, BioLabs at Wellcome Genome Campus, located in Cambridge, UK, launches and manages the strategic and financial growth, as well as day-to-day operations, of the new site. This includes (1) initiating new and fostering existing relationships with key stakeholders on Campus and in the greater Cambridge biotech ecosystem, (2) building a strong pipeline of prospective resident life science startup companies, and (3) overseeing the site’s daily operations, finances, and team and interaction with the wider Campus of which it is part.

Responsibilities

Ecosystem Engagement & Business Development

• Build strong understanding and relationships with the Campus current occupiers including Wellcome Sanger Institute, EMBL-EBI and HDRS, their scientific programmes and commercial/spin-out potential
• Initiate and grow relationships with key stakeholders in the greater Cambridge area, including universities, research institutes, tech transfer offices, economic development agencies, trade groups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and real estate partners to serve the WGCL ecosystem development
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective resident life science startups; lead the full sales cycle from lead generation to deal closure
• Liaise with WGCL commercial activities, supporting a wider pipeline building
• Lead regional marketing and advertising efforts to attract high-quality resident companies and strategic partners
• Represent BioLabs at relevant local and national conferences, tradeshows, panels, and community events to elevate brand visibility and position BioLabs as a thought leader
• Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and customers’ needs to refine sales strategies and support regional growth

Resident & Community Support

• Cultivate strong relationships with resident startups, supporting their development, and highlighting their successes
• Design and implement a calendar of events and educational programming tailored to the needs of BioLabs' residents, the broader Campus and broader biotech community
• Play a key role in the campus innovation ecosystem development, forming key partnerships and opening activities with existing and future occupiers

Team Leadership & Operations

• Manage the site team, including operations and events personnel, to foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing culture
• Collaborate with the BioLabs Operations leadership team to standardize and continuously improve operational practices across locations
• In partnership with BioLabs HQ, develop annual strategic goals and operating budgets; ensure financial accountability and manage within approved targets

Partnership Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for local strategic partners, fostering strong, collaborative relationships
• Coordinate partnership governance, including meeting agendas, and alignment on strategic, financial planning and reporting, and operational priorities
• Leading financial and KPI reporting to Wellcome Genome Campus Limited and lead on agreeing annual budgets/other information required under our partnership agreement
• Identify and drive opportunities to strengthen and expand partnerships in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

Strategic & Regional Initiatives

• Support the broader BioLabs Global and WGCL teams in identifying and advancing new business opportunities for the campus in the region
• Act as a key contributor to the BioLabs team, sharing best practices and insights to enhance network-wide impact

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree (PhD in life sciences or a related field) strongly preferred
• Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in business development, strategic partnerships, alliance management, and/or marketing within a commercial setting preferably in biotech or life sciences
• Persuasive and passionate communicator with outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, active listener, and proactive relationship builder
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams
• Connections to the biotech ecosystem in the greater Cambridge region (including universities, tech transfer offices, investors, startups, economic development agencies, or real estate) are a strong plus
• Familiarity with early-stage company formation, venture investment, or related activities preferred
• Highly organized, entrepreneurial, self-starter with strong results orientation. Willingness to attend off-hours meetings and events as needed
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required