Director of Operations

Zēlos® Energy is an innovative battery startup headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, and a leader in developing safe, sustainable, and proven rechargeable zinc-based chemistries. Our company is at an exciting juncture from R&D to production, for applications including stationary storage for power backup and data center applications. Position Summary We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead on a wide variety of administrative, business, operational, and people efforts. The successful candidate will have a vital and evolving role relating to development and commercialization of our advanced battery technology. This is an exciting full-time, on-site role at our office and lab in San Leandro, California. This position focuses on varied tasks and projects necessary to ensure successful functioning of a startup company. The ideal candidate has a wide background in administration and management, preferably in a scientific and technical setting. You will need to have the drive to improve the big picture, willing to handle many routine items, and enthusiastic about a job that can change over time. You will report to our CEO and work closely with our business and technical team to ensure high performance, strong cohesion, and lean and robust administrative systems and processes. To be considered for the opening, it is necessary to be fully authorized to work for any employer in the US. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for this role. Candidates will also need to reside within reasonable commuting distance of San Leandro. It is expected this job will primarily occur on site, with some remote work possible (including occasional evening messages and calls). Responsibilities External Partnerships and Supply Chain Working with company commercial and technical leaders, ensure successful and proactive operations management for strategic partnerships with suppliers and customers. Collaborate in building and managing preliminary engagements, NDAs and MTAs, contracting, global and regional supply chains, domestic and international logistics, and general operations. Actively communicate with partners on time-sensitive projects, whether via emails, calls, or virtual meetings, including after-hours if needed due to overseas contacts. Accounting and Finance Partner with finance colleagues to continually develop and optimize financial systems, policies, practices, roles and responsibilities and controls. Engage in a variety of financial tasks and projects, including bank account and credit card management, invoicing and payments, budgeting, and reconciliation. In collaboration with leadership and finance team, optimize cost planning and reviews and approvals for spending. Actively engage on investor and fundraising matters, ranging from documentation and cap table management to outreach and communication. Participate in due diligence processes with investors. IT Administer, maintain, and improve IT functions and support for the company, including website, social media, email, shared file system, office and lab printers, wireless internet, and related interfaces. Handle troubleshooting and continually promote employee self-sufficiency on user-level IT interfaces. Office Operations Oversee office supplies and snacks ordering and stocking, and coordinate with lab team on procurement of routine and complex scientific and technical purchasing. Coordinate with building management as needed on space planning, tenant relations, and maintenance, in partnership with on-staff facilities manager. Manage team lunches, company parties, and similar special events. Ensure office and lab are in good shape and clean, coordinating with janitorial company and facilities manager. Ensure shipping and receiving is quick and fast, working with facilities manager on large freight deliveries, and optimizing outbound shipments (FedEx, UPS), and working with carriers and third-party customs broker on timely delivery of inbound items. Partner with marketing team on communication, outreach, branding, and promotional activities and projects, including trade shows, and website and social media management. People and Culture Continually develop a collaborative, courteous, focused, and productive company culture, enabling a busy startup and our team to thrive. Partner with other company leaders to optimize team member roles and responsibilities. Coordinate recruiting, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance improvement Maintain payroll and benefit programs for the company through a third-party HR firm. Ensure HR compliance documentation, such as employee handbook and required posters, are maintained and accessible. Conduct ongoing reviews of compensation, benefits, PTO, holidays, and other employee perks to ensure equity, competitive market position, and within budget. Additional Roles and Projects Monitor federal and state grant funding opportunities, and in the event of strong fits for company expertise, coordinate on applications and project management for awarded grants (in conjunction with outside experts). Various projects as needed by the CEO or Board Chair. Schedule, coordinate, and document company board meetings. Lead, collaborate, and assist on additional tasks as required in an evolving startup. Requirements and Experience Strong administrative and operational skillset and orientation, with a get it done, make it work attitude – with interest and ability to handle the most routine to the most complex operational responsibilities. Ability to work independently and decide autonomously on day-to-day tasks. Diplomacy and people skills – able to work with different personality types, remaining calm and collaborative in uncertain and evolving situations, and able to act decisively within company and externally as required based on current priorities. Strong organization, communication, and time-management skills. Experience with project and administrative management. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting and editing simple contract templates, and creating professional written content for external audiences. Familiarity and interest in working in a technical and startup setting. Knowledge of foreign languages (e.g., Japanese, Mandarin) is a plus. Compensation and Benefits Full-time exempt compensation of $120K to $145K depending on experience, expertise, and range of responsibilities. Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefit options. Paid holidays and unlimited PTO. Generous 401(k) and stock options. Free and abundant all-day parking lot adjacent to I-880, free shuttle from San Leandro BART, bike parking available, complimentary office snacks and beverages. Access to Gate 510 incubator space with large common atrium (including readily available work and meeting spaces) and kitchen area with free filtered water, tea, coffee, and occasional afternoon happy hours. #J-18808-Ljbffr