Head of Operations / COO

About Us We are an early-stage biotech company developing drugs with the goal of reducing multi-morbidity and earning an indication for aging, as opposed to the treatment of specific diseases. Our ultimate mission is to establish aging as a therapeutic area and empower humans with more time with loved ones and autonomy over their health. This is a new paradigm focused on keeping healthy people healthy as opposed to treating individual diseases after they occur. Why This Role Matters As our Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer, you’ll be orchestrating the people, processes, and culture needed to bring our mission to life. Here’s how you’ll help us shape the future of aging therapeutics: Departmental Accountability & Integration : Develop and refine processes (OKRs, project management frameworks) that streamline cross-departmental collaborations and decision-making. Organizational Culture & Process Optimization : Foster a collaborative, and results-driven culture consistent with our core values (Ownership, Hacker Mindset, Rigor, Communication, Care). Hiring & Team Development : Oversee strategic hiring plans, ensuring we attract and retain top talent. Champion Day-to-Day Excellence : Own the operational details that make our bold vision a reality. Your leadership frees the CEO to concentrate on fundraising, partnerships, and high-level strategy. Financial Oversight & Resource Allocation : Manage and forecast budgets across departments, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with strategic priorities. Provide ongoing financial reporting and scenario planning to inform executive decisions. Success Measures Within the First 3–6 Months, You Will Have: Implemented OKRs and Scorecards that allow for real-time reporting on departmental projects. Hired 3–5 Key FTEs using a well-structured interview and evaluation process. Completed Robust Financial & Resource Planning for at least the next 12–18 months, covering departmental budgets and spending forecasts. Established Quick Wins on Regulatory Compliance by creating an internal FDA-readiness checklist for upcoming interactions (e.g., Type C meetings). Built an Integrated Project Plan Templates (e.g., Gantt chart) that visually aligns CMC, nonclinical, and clinical milestones for leadership and the board. Within the First Year, You Will Have: Scaled the Organization from a handful of FTEs to potentially 15–25+ FTEs, with clear departmental structures. Fully Operationalized Compliance Systems (QMS, HR, GxP frameworks) to meet the unique demands of combination-product development. Established a Physical Office , along with robust operational infrastructure (finance software, data management platforms, etc.). Hosted Two Company Retreats to strengthen team cohesion and strategic alignment. Negotiated or Supported Master Service Agreements with supply chain and CRO/CMO partners, ensuring uninterrupted production for clinical trials. Implemented a Globally Recognized Quality Management System (QMS) that addresses all combination-product regulatory requirements. Required Skills & Competencies Hacker Mindset & Resourcefulness : Comfortable improvising in a fast-growing startup, finding pragmatic solutions to complex problems. Excellent Communication & Cross-Functional Leadership : Skilled at presenting nuanced operational and financial data to both technical teams and investor audiences. Rigor & Detail Oriented : Meticulous in building financial models, project plans, and risk assessments. Resilience & Toughness : Demonstrated success in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Comfortable acting as a key decision-maker and “go-to” problem-solver for the CEO and board. Regulatory & Clinical Acumen : Familiarity with drug development timelines, especially for combination products requiring scale-up in CMC, regulatory, and clinical frameworks. Technological Savvy : Able to incorporate modern tools (project management software, data dashboards, AI-driven workflows) to streamline operations. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years of Executive or Senior Operational Experience in biotech, pharma, or a related industry. Demonstrable Success Overseeing Phase Transitions (e.g., from early-stage to late-stage clinical) and coordinating cross-functional teams. Proven Track Record of Establishing Quality Systems (GxP, QMS) and scaling manufacturing processes (especially for combination products). Experience Scaling and Managing Teams of 5–20+ Members with direct accountability for their performance. Startup Experience (2+ years) or similar environment where agility and hands-on leadership are paramount. Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred). #J-18808-Ljbffr Autonomy Bio