Business Operations Lead

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Ridge Biotechnologies enables the development and construction of the next generation of precision medicines through enzyme and targeted therapeutic design. Using our powerful experimental and computational platform built on large datasets generated by cell‑free synthesis, biorthogonal chemistries, and ever‑improving machine‑learning models, Ridge Bio is developing new medicines and scalable production methods that enable our partners to bring lifesaving biotherapeutics to patients in need.

Ridge Bio’s founders are industry veterans who have previously built successful biotechnology companies and academic leaders from top institutions including Stanford and Caltech with world‑leading expertise in cell‑free systems, therapeutic development, and protein engineering. We are backed by Sutter Hill Ventures, a quiet powerhouse that has been building successful companies since 1962 by focusing on bringing together great people to solve hard technological problems in big markets.

Our company culture is dedicated to intellectual integrity, service ownership, and creative impact.

We are looking for a dynamic Business Development and Operations Lead to join our team. This role, reporting directly to our CEO, is integral to driving business development and operational efficiency. You’ll complement our brilliant scientific team by driving business development efforts while managing operational systems across the company. You’ll be involved in high‑level decisions and implementation of everything from contracting to recruiting to business operations to HR.

Our company is at a rare point of having customer traction and thriving research and development while being lean and early enough that one person can have a lasting impact on operational workflows, business strategy, and partner relationships. Your work will be varied but will directly impact Ridge Bio’s ability to scale quickly and effectively.

• Completed a MS (+4 years) or PhD degree in a technical field (biotechnology, computer science, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related discipline). Experience, flexibility, and demonstrated grit in a fast‑paced environment will be more important than degree.
• Direct experience in Business Development/Sales or Operations (ideally both) in a fast‑paced environment (ideally at a biotech start‑up). Relevant offices where you have proved yourself include Chief Staff, Business Operations, Business Development/Sales, Project/program management, Strategy, Venture Capital, Business Development, Customer Solutions Consultant, etc.
• Exceptional communication, emotional intelligence, low ego, and calm under pressure.
• Ability to operate independently, think proactively, and be comfortable handling rapidly shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly understand and pitch biotechnologies, form customer relationships, draft collaborative project plans, and contribute to closing meaningful deals in the biotech environment.
• Ability to work full‑time hours at our Bay Area location and occasional flexibility to travel (up to 15% travel) and complete time‑sensitive projects.

• Be the hub of coordination – work directly with our CEO to manage scheduling, logistics for meetings, and events, while building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders from employees to boards to business partners.
• Actively identify gaps in administrative and operational workflows, driving the development, documentation, and adoption of new operational and administrative workflows across purchasing, permitting, and project management.
• Proactively engage outbound and field inbound business development for our Native Link, Pro Trigger, and Catalytic Medicines product lines, implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution to ensure responsiveness and cross‑team collaboration.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day operations ensuring smooth invoicing, vendor billing, HR, legal, and managing of our expense platform.
• Form relationships with clients and partners at conferences and…