Director of Operations

ARC Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering biotech start-up in Cambridge as the Director of Operations, leading the operational strategy and managing teams. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the company's functions and processes, contributing directly to its growth trajectory. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of experience, particularly in biotech or engineering, with a strong emphasis on leadership and operational excellence.

Benefits

Share option scheme

Dynamic work environment

Opportunity to lead operations function

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in operations leadership, ideally in biotech or life sciences.
• Proven track record in developing and scaling operational processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and strategic mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the operational strategy ensuring scalability.
• Oversee lab and facilities operations for compliance and performance.
• Build and manage the operations team in line with expansion.

Skills

Operational strategy development

Team leadership

Risk management

Supplier negotiation

Financial awareness

Job description

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.