Director of Operations

Arc Machines, Inc.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering biotech start-up in Cambridge as the new Director of Operations. This critical role entails leading the operational strategy, managing processes, and ensuring compliance. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in operations and a strategic mindset to shape the rapid growth of the organization.

Benefits

Share option scheme

Dynamic work environment

Opportunity to build a high-performing operations function

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex lab operations in a biotech setting.
• Strong track record in developing scalable operational processes.
• Proven skills in compliance frameworks and supplier negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the company’s operational strategy.
• Develop and enhance operational processes across various domains.
• Manage lab and facilities operations ensuring peak performance.

Skills

Operational Strategy

Risk Management

Compliance

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Team Leadership

Financial Awareness

Education

Experience in biotech or life sciences

5-10 years of operations leadership experience

Job description

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About The Role

Join a pioneering Cambridge-based biotech start-up as their new

Director of Operations – Cambridge

About The Role

Join a pioneering Cambridge-based biotech start-up as their new Director of Operations. We’re seeking an experienced leader (5–10 years in operations roles) to professionalise, scale, and optimise our company operations as they enter their next phase of growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a fast-growing organisation at the intersection of biology, engineering, and data science.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the company’s operational strategy, ensuring infrastructure is robust and scalable as they grow.
• Develop and enhance operational processes across HR, legal, supplier management, IT, laboratory, and facilities.
• Oversee lab and facilities operations to ensure safety, compliance, and peak performance.
• Build, manage, and grow the operations team in line with company expansion.
• Serve as the senior point of contact for suppliers, contractors, landlords, and external partners.
• Negotiate and manage high-value contracts and commercial agreements.
• Lead risk management, including compliance frameworks, HSE, and regulatory standards.
• Support financial planning and budgeting for all operational areas.
• Advise the leadership team and participate in strategic planning for our growth trajectory.
  
  

About You

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in operations leadership, ideally in biotech, life sciences, or engineering.
• Experience in a scaling start-up environment.
• Strong track record of developing and scaling operational processes.
• Experience managing complex lab or facilities operations.
• Proven skills in risk management, compliance, and supplier negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder and team leadership skills.
• Strategic mindset with a pragmatic, hands-on approach.
• Strong financial awareness, including operational budgeting and resource planning.
  
  

Desirable

• Familiarity with ISO standards, laboratory safety certifications, or quality management systems.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams.
  
  

What’s On Offer

• Dynamic, fast-paced work environment in a growing biotech.
• Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing operations function.
• Share option scheme.
• Competitive base salary (£65,000–£90,000, depending on experience).
• Be part of a great team working at the forefront of biology, engineering, and data science.
  
  

Start Date: Immediate

Apply now to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of biotech operations in Cambridge.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing

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