Operations Manager – Operations

We are a fast-growing biotech start-up focusing on next-generation precision biologics, driven by science, collaboration, and curiosity. We are looking for an Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operational delivery of the company’s operations, laboratory, and infrastructure processes, ensuring effective execution in line with governance set by the Head of Operations.

The role focuses on implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of operational processes. It also includes light-touch diary, meeting, and office coordination to support leadership and operational priorities. Strategic ownership, HR advisory, employee relations, and employment decision-making remain with senior leadership and external HR advisers.

The scope of the role will evolve over time, requiring flexibility, judgement, and the ability to adapt to changing organisational needs.

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of operational processes and infrastructure.
• Implement and maintain operational systems, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee execution of operational activities supporting business growth.
• Identify operational issues, escalating risks with recommendations to the Head of Operations.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional operational initiatives.

• Lead day-to-day management of laboratory operations and facilities.
• Oversee implementation of laboratory health & safety requirements, including risk assessments and audit readiness.
• Manage supplier relationships for laboratory services, consumables, and equipment.
• Coordinate servicing, maintenance, and lifecycle management of lab equipment.

• Manage execution of operational finance processes including purchase orders, supplier coordination, invoice workflows, and corporate card controls.
• Prepare operational and management information to support leadership decision-making.
• Maintain preferred supplier arrangements and procurement processes.
• Liaise with finance providers to ensure appropriate controls are followed.

• Maintain operational governance frameworks and controls.
• Coordinate compliance-related processes across the business.
• Support leadership with governance documentation.

• Coordinate day-to-day HR administration processes, including onboarding and offboarding logistics and recruitment administration.
• Act as the operational liaison between managers and external HR advisers.
• Maintain operational oversight of compliance-related people processes (e.g., right-to-work documentation).

• Enable the Executive Team by coordinating operational requirements, meetings, and governance processes.
• Provide light-touch diary and meeting coordination as required to support operational delivery.
• Maintain operational systems supporting effective leadership and office operations.

• Coordinate delivery of wellbeing and engagement initiatives.
• Manage logistics and planning for company-wide initiatives.

• Act as a trusted operational partner to senior leadership.
• Exercise discretion and confidentiality.
• Carry out additional duties consistent with the role.

• Exceptional organisational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Life sciences background with experience working in a laboratory environment
• BSc or equivalent experience in life sciences discipline
• Strong understanding and practical experience of implementing and adhering to laboratory health & safety requirements within a scientific or biotech setting. NEBOSH accreditation or equivalent would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting senior leaders or operating in an executive-level operational environment (now including light-touch diary and meeting coordination).
• Experience working with procurement systems (e.g., Amici or equivalent) and supporting laboratory or operational procurement processes.
• High attention to detail across operational, administrative, financial, and legal-related tasks.
• Understanding of financial processes, including purchase orders, invoicing, budget tracking, management accounts, and operational reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-growing, evolving organisation.
• Experience working within a biotech, pharmaceutical, scientific research, or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong IT capability, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive).
• Familiarity with HR processes, UK employment frameworks, and UKVI sponsor license duties is desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrates strong networking and…