Head of Operations / COO

Job description

ABOUT US We are an early-stage biotech company developing drugs with the goal of reducing multi-morbidity and earning an indication for aging, as opposed to the treatment of specific diseases. Our ultimate mission is to establish aging as a therapeutic area and empower humans with more time with loved ones and autonomy over their health. This is a new paradigm focused on keeping healthy people healthy as opposed to treating individual diseases after they occur. Read more in our Candidate Guide https://strong-transport-ceb.notion.site/Candidate-Guide-1a01fc245011803fbc7becb61ea1d52c?pvs=4. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS As our Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer, you’ll be orchestrating the people, processes, and culture needed to bring our mission to life. Here’s how you’ll help us shape the future of aging therapeutics: - Departmental Accountability & Integration: Develop and refine processes (OKRs, project management frameworks) that streamline cross-departmental collaborations and decision-making. - Organizational Culture & Process Optimization: Foster a collaborative, and results-driven culture consistent with our core values (Ownership, Hacker Mindset, Rigor, Communication, Care). - Hiring & Team Development: Oversee strategic hiring plans, ensuring we attract and retain top talent. - Champion Day-to-Day Excellence: Own the operational details that make our bold vision a reality. Your leadership frees the CEO to concentrate on fundraising, partnerships, and high-level strategy. - Financial Oversight & Resource Allocation: Manage and forecast budgets across departments, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with strategic priorities. Provide ongoing financial reporting and scenario planning to inform executive decisions. SUCCESS MEASURES WITHIN THE FIRST 3–6 MONTHS, YOU WILL HAVE: - Implemented OKRs and Scorecards that allow for real-time reporting on departmental projects. - Hired 3–5 Key FTEs using a well-structured interview and evaluation process. - Completed Robust Financial & Resource Planning for at least the next 12–18 months, covering departmental budgets and spending forecasts. - Established Quick Wins on Regulatory Compliance by creating an internal FDA-readiness checklist for upcoming interactions (e.g., Type C meetings). - Built an Integrated Project Plan Templates (e.g., Gantt chart) that visually aligns CMC, nonclinical, and clinical milestones for leadership and the board. WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, YOU WILL HAVE: - Scaled the Organization from a handful of FTEs to potentially 15–25+ FTEs, with clear departmental structures. - Fully Operationalized Compliance Systems (QMS, HR, GxP frameworks) to meet the unique demands of combination-product development. - Established a Physical Office, along with robust operational infrastructure (finance software, data management platforms, etc.). - Hosted Two Company Retreats to strengthen team cohesion and strategic alignment. - Negotiated or Supported Master Service Agreements with supply chain and CRO/CMO partners, ensuring uninterrupted production for clinical trials. - Implemented a Globally Recognized Quality Management System (QMS) that addresses all combination-product regulatory requirements. REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES 1. Hacker Mindset & Resourcefulness: Comfortable improvising in a fast-growing startup, finding pragmatic solutions to complex problems. 2. Excellent Communication & Cross-Functional Leadership: E.g. Skilled at presenting nuanced operational and financial data to both technical teams and investor audiences. 3. Rigor & Detail Oriented: Meticulous in building financial models, project plans, and risk assessments. 4. Resilience & Toughness: Demonstrated success in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Comfortable acting as a key decision-maker and “go-to” problem-solver for the CEO and board. 5. Regulatory & Clinical Acumen: Familiarity with drug development timelines, especially for combination products requiring scale-up in CMC, regulatory, and clinical frameworks. 6. Technological Savvy: Able to incorporate modern tools (project management software, data dashboards, AI-driven workflows) to streamline operations. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - 3+ years of Executive or Senior Operational Experience in biotech, pharma, or a related industry. - Demonstrable Success Overseeing Phase Transitions (e.g., from early-stage to late-stage clinical) and coordinating cross-functional teams. - Proven Track Record of Establishing Quality Systems (GxP, QMS) and scaling manufacturing processes (especially for combination products). - Experience Scaling and Managing Teams of 5–20+ Members with direct accountability for their performance. - Startup Experience (2+ years) or similar environment where agility and hands-on leadership are paramount. - Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred).