Head of Operations

We have the following opportunity for a PE-owned pharma supply chain company: Head of Operations in the San Francisco, CA area. Role Description Provide hands-on leadership to cross-functional teams to drive employee engagement and client satisfaction while improving operational efficiency. Leads Histology Lab Services, Biostorage, Logistics, Facilities, and Quality Assurance at the San Francisco location. This position requires active, floor-level involvement in daily operations alongside team leadership responsibilities. Works collaboratively with all the company departments to support growth and profitability, and partners closely with HQ staff to ensure alignment across the organization. This role works directly with the CEO and CFO to maintain strong cost-management discipline and a continuous-improvement mindset, maximizing gross margin. When operational needs arise, they are expected to work hands-on in the Histology Lab and Biorepository, directly supporting team members on the bench or floor as needed. Job Objectives Management : Work with direct reports to develop and implement KPIs to monitor performance, utilization, and output for all team members. Provide hands-on leadership, day-to-day coaching, and mentorship to direct reports. Build and sustain high-performing teams through intentional hiring, onboarding, and retention practices. Financial : Streamline operational costs to eliminate inefficiencies and maximize gross profit margins at the SF location. Histology Lab Services : Oversee histology lab operations, ensuring all tissue processing, staining, and sectioning workflows meet client specifications and exceed quality benchmarks. Actively participate in lab process reviews and troubleshooting. Biobanking | Biorepository : Manage biospecimen storage with a hands-on approach to inventory accuracy, chain of custody, and client-specific requirements. Logistics : Optimize and streamline the flow of biospecimens and products in and out of the San Francisco facility through collaboration with multiple external partners. Ensure regulatory compliance across all shipping and receiving activities. Facilities : Achieve a safe, functional, and compliant laboratory environment to support the company's mission and enhance the well-being of SF employees. Quality Assurance : Manage ISO 9001, accreditation compliance through oversight of the Quality Team. Oversee annual external audits and ensure continuous improvement activities are followed across all managed areas. Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, CAL/OSHA, DOT, and biosafety requirements. Job Competencies Operational Leadership & Team Management - Hands-on leader with demonstrated ability to work alongside operational teams; strong people management skills spanning performance management, talent development, and culture building; proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at all levels Biobanking & Biorepository Expertise - Deep knowledge of biobanking and biorepository operations, including the full biospecimen lifecycle, storage conditions, QC requirements, and biosafety protocols for handling human-derived specimens in compliance with applicable regulations Histology & Laboratory Operations - Strong working knowledge of histology laboratory workflows, tissue processing techniques, and slide preparation and management Logistics & Inventory Management - Solid understanding of cold-chain logistics, biospecimen shipping compliance, and inventory management, including chain of custody documentation and LIMS Process Improvement & Problem-Solving - Strong analytical and quality management skills with process improvement expertise and a client-focused mindset Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in science or business with related industry experiences Education or equivalent relevant experience in ISO 9001 Standards and an Effective Quality Management System At least 10 years' experience in a related leadership position #J-18808-Ljbffr