COO, Science & Innovation Space — Lab & Ops Leader

DuPont; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DuPont, in partnership with The Innovation Space in Wilmington, seeks a Chief Operations Officer to lead laboratory, facilities, and business operations. You will translate strategy into scalable systems across finance, legal, technology, EH&S, and program support, reporting to the President & CEO of The Innovation Space.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with external advisors, aiming to advance science‑based startups and tech ventures through a national program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, operations, or related field or equivalent.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible operational leadership experience.
• Experience overseeing complex laboratories, research, engineering, or regulated operations.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with operating budgets, planning, and controls.
• Experience providing executive oversight of EH&S, regulatory compliance, and risk.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for the 130,000-square-foot facility, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of infrastructure, technical capabilities, and services.
• Lead laboratory and facility planning, reliability, maintenance, and capital projects.
• Manage operating budgets and external contractors, vendors, and service providers.
• Partner with Innovation Space clients to understand needs and improve capabilities, service quality, and client experience.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, accounting, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Lead annual operating and capital planning and support financial reporting to leadership and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Operations leadership

Financial acumen

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, operations, or related field

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

DuPont, in partnership with The Innovation Space in Wilmington, seeks a Chief Operations Officer to lead laboratory, facilities, and business operations. You will translate strategy into scalable systems across finance, legal, technology, EH&S, and program support, reporting to the President & CEO of The Innovation Space.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with external advisors, aiming to advance science‑based startups and tech ventures through a national program.