Head of Operations

Private Advertiser; West Coast; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Private Advertiser is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead end-to-end operations in a fast-paced biotech environment. You will oversee supply chain, logistics, and quality coordination while driving scalable processes and regulatory readiness.

The role requires a strategic yet hands-on leader capable of building robust SOPs, improving KPIs, and aligning cross-functional teams across regional sites. A senior operations background in biotech or regulated industries is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
• 10–15 years of experience in operations, supply chain, or logistics roles.
• Senior operations leadership experience (Head of Ops / Operations Director / equivalent).
• Experience in structured, process-driven environments (biotech, pharma, healthcare, or regulated industries preferred).
• Strong understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and operational planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all operational functions to ensure smooth and efficient business execution.
• Drive operational strategies aligned with business growth and regional expansion plans.
• Establish and continuously improve operational processes, workflows, and SOPs.
• Ensure high service levels, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across operations.
• Oversee end-to-end supply chain activities including procurement coordination, inventory management, and distribution.
• Ensure optimal stock levels and minimise supply disruptions.
• Manage logistics performance across local and regional channels.
• Work closely with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely fulfilment.
• Ensure operational compliance with relevant regulatory and quality requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to maintain operational readiness for audits and inspections.
• Support implementation of quality management systems and operational controls.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Monitor key operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions to support business growth.
• Standardise operational processes across functions and locations where applicable.
• Work closely with commercial, finance, and technical teams to support business objectives.
• Manage relationships with key external partners, suppliers, and service providers.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and business transformation projects.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team.
• Build a strong performance-driven and accountable operational culture.
• Ensure effective workforce planning and capability development within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Process improvement

Cross-functional

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Objective of the Role

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Operations to lead and oversee end-to-end operational functions within a fast-paced biotechnology business.

This role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across supply chain coordination, logistics, quality, regulatory alignment, and day-to-day business operations. The ideal candidate is both strategic and execution-focused, capable of building scalable processes while remaining close to operational detail.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee all operational functions to ensure smooth and efficient business execution

• Drive operational strategies aligned with business growth and regional expansion plans

• Establish and continuously improve operational processes, workflows, and SOPs

• Ensure high service levels, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across operations

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Oversee end-to-end supply chain activities including procurement coordination, inventory management, and distribution

• Ensure optimal stock levels and minimise supply disruptions

• Manage logistics performance across local and regional channels

• Work closely with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely fulfilment

Regulatory & Quality Coordination

• Ensure operational compliance with relevant regulatory and quality requirements

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to maintain operational readiness for audits and inspections

• Support implementation of quality management systems and operational controls

Process & Performance Management

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency

• Monitor key operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where needed

• Identify bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions to support business growth

• Standardise operational processes across functions and locations where applicable

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with commercial, finance, and technical teams to support business objectives

• Manage relationships with key external partners, suppliers, and service providers

• Support cross-functional initiatives and business transformation projects

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team

• Build a strong performance-driven and accountable operational culture

• Ensure effective workforce planning and capability development within the team

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Life Sciences, or related discipline

• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in operations, supply chain, or logistics roles

• Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role (Head of Ops / Operations Director / equivalent)

• Strong experience in structured, process-driven environments (biotech, pharma, healthcare, or regulated industries preferred)

• Solid understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and operational planning

• Strong leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional stakeholders

• Ability to operate both strategically and in a highly hands-on execution role

• Strong problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset

• Experience working in regional or multi-site operations is an advantage