Biotech Operations Leader for Growth & Strategy

Default (MSD); Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 379,000 - 622,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

MSD is seeking a Chief Operating Officer in Rockville, Maryland to lead comprehensive operations, translate strategy into execution, and ensure scalable processes across Product Development, Operations, and Support.

The role requires advanced degree and 15+ years of operational leadership, with biotech and FDA/GMP experience preferred; a strong track record of building high-performance teams and delivering results.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or PhD) in business administration, life sciences, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operational management.
• A minimum of five years in a senior executive leadership role (VP or C-suite) with multi-unit responsibility.
• Experience in a biotechnology or life sciences highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing operations in FDA-regulated or GMP environments.

Responsibilities

• Partners with CEO and executive team to develop and execute organizational goals and strategic plans while providing expertise and guidance on projects, operations, and systems.
• Translates strategic objectives into actionable operational plans with clear milestones and accountability; develops short- and long-term goals and strategies.
• Evaluates and optimizes processes across multiple functional areas; establishes and monitors KPIs to track progress.
• Provides leadership for core operational units including Product Development, R&D, Operations & Manufacturing, and Customer Support.
• Collaborates with CFO to develop budgets and ROI analyses for major investments; drives cost control and efficiency.
• Builds high-performing teams, mentors leaders, and fosters a culture of accountability and growth.
• Represents the company to external stakeholders, including partners and investors; conducts strategic reviews to manage risk.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting & P&L management

Operational excellence

Performance measurement & KPI

Communication and influence

Change management

Data-driven decision making

Education

MBA or equivalent

MS/PhD in Life Sciences or Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Project management software

BI tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

MSD is seeking a Chief Operating Officer in Rockville, Maryland to lead comprehensive operations, translate strategy into execution, and ensure scalable processes across Product Development, Operations, and Support.

The role requires advanced degree and 15+ years of operational leadership, with biotech and FDA/GMP experience preferred; a strong track record of building high-performance teams and delivering results.