Director/ Sr. Director, Operations

Profluent; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative AI-first protein design company is seeking a strategic Director of Operations to lead core functions across HR, IT, Finance, and Lab Operations. This role is pivotal in shaping the company's operational foundation during a critical growth phase. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in general administrative functions and a proven track record of leadership. You will collaborate closely with the CEO to align operational execution with strategic goals, ensuring the company thrives in a fast-paced environment. Join a team dedicated to revolutionizing biomedicine and make a meaningful impact in a high-growth opportunity.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

Commitment to Well-being

Competitive Compensation Package

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in HR, Finance, IT, and Lab Operations.
• Proven leadership in operational areas and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong skills in project management and communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and empower teams across key operational areas.
• Oversee G&A functions including HR, IT, Finance, and Lab Operations.
• Identify gaps and build infrastructure for company growth.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Cross-functional Collaboration

Financial Fluency

Education

MBA or Advanced Degree

Tools

Rippling

Carta

QuickBooks

Ramp

Pilot

Job description

Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures.

At Profluent, we work at the intersection of AI-driven protein design and cutting-edge gene editing technologies. We’re looking for a strategic and hands-on Director / Senior Director of Operations to lead and scale core operational functions across the company.

As a key member of the team, you’ll oversee core functions across HR, IT, Finance, and Lab Operations, along with other operational areas critical to company growth. This role reports directly to the CEO and will manage an existing team supporting core operational functions.

You’ll bring a strong foundational understanding of these areas and apply that knowledge to build scalable systems that support our next phase of growth. Success in this role requires someone who performs strongly in a fast-paced environment and is both a leader and a builder - someone who takes initiative, drives outcomes, and builds systems and processes from the ground up.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape the foundation of how our company runs and make an impact during a critical growth stage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and empower a team across key operational areas, supporting their development and driving strong execution across functions
• Oversee G&A functions, including HR, IT, Finance and Lab Operations
• Lead day-to-day execution and long-term planning across departments, ensuring alignment with company goals and operational excellence
• Partner closely with the CEO and leadership on strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives and translate high-level goals into operational execution across teams
• Identify gaps, streamline systems, and build the infrastructure needed to support the company’s next stage of growth

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience across various G&A functions, including, but not limited to, HR, Finance, IT, Lab Operations
• Demonstrated leadership across a combination of key operational areas
• Proven people manager with experience leading small, high-performing teams
• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Decisive and action-oriented, with an ability to design and implement effective systems
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity, building structure, and driving progress in a lean environment
• Working knowledge of key compliance areas (e.g., labor law, data privacy, safety regulations)
• Financial fluency, able to partner on budgeting, vendor management, and spend tracking

Preferences (but not required)

• Experience in biotech and/or a high-growth startup
• MBA or advanced degree
• Familiarity with tools such as Rippling, Carta, QuickBooks, Ramp, Pilot etc

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.

Employment Eligibility VerificationLegal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.

Hiring Salary Range

$175,000 - $225,000 USD

What we offer at Profluent

• A high-growth opportunity with meaningful impact
• Competitive compensation package
• Health insurance (health/dental/vision)
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy
• Commitment to physical and mental well-being
• More benefits and perks to be added!

Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

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