Operations Lead

Role Overview

• Guide project planning processes across programs to ensure clarity of priorities, timelines, and interdependencies.
• Track project status across initiatives, proactively flagging risk and improving cross-project communication.
• Reduce organizational risk by daylighting project blockers, coordinating managerial response, and ensuring disciplined follow-through.
• Directly manage the operations team, including the Scientific Operations Manager, Lab Manager, and Office Coordinator.
• Introduce and institutionalize best practices in operational management.
• Evolve internal processes to be scalable, robust, and resilient as the organization grows.
• Forecast resource needs 1–2 quarters in advance, including capital purchases and operational capacity.
• Strengthen planning cadence and execution discipline across teams.
• Review and approve invoices and bill payments.
• Review budget sheets and general ledger coding for accuracy and alignment.
• Support financial forecasting and expenditure discipline across programs.
• Oversee contracts related to partnerships, facilities, vendors, and contractors in coordination with legal and accounting partners.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and development to members of the operations team.
• Offer developmentally relevant feedback and mentorship to managers and senior contributors across the organization.
• Introduce best practices in personnel management, performance feedback, and accountability.
• Strengthen a culture of professionalism, mutual respect, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in operational roles within technical or scientific organizations + a track record of successful operational leadership.
• Experience directly mentoring and managing individual contributors.
• Strong financial literacy, including budget review, forecasting, and vendor contract oversight.
• Experience building or scaling operational systems in a growing organization.
• Proven ability to execute strategy through operational excellence.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Experience advising leadership on personnel management.
• Strong judgment, risk assessment, and organizational design skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build alignment across senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work onsite in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Strong references from managers, peers, and direct reports.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance; parental leave.
• 6% 401K match
• Generous time off + paid holidays.
• Ample healthy food including daily lunches.
• Wellness allowance for fitness and wellness activities.
• Work with impact. Your leadership will shape the operational foundation of a field-defining scientific effort.