Director, Business Operations & Strategy (Site Head)
About The Position
The Director, Business Operations & Strategy (Site Head) manages the strategic and financial growth, as well as the day-to-day operations, of BioLabs San Diego, a new site in San Diego, California. The role builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders in the local biotech ecosystem, develops a pipeline of prospective resident life science startups, and oversees site operations, finances, and team members. The position leads regional business development and marketing, supports resident startups and community programming, manages the site team, and collaborates with BioLabs leadership on operational standards, strategic goals, budgets, and regional opportunities. The role also contributes insights and best practices to BioLabs’ global network.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in business development, strategic partnerships, alliance management, and/or marketing within a commercial setting.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and proactive relationship-building abilities.
- Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams.
- Highly organized, entrepreneurial, self-starting, and results-oriented.
- Willingness to attend meetings and events outside regular hours as needed.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree, preferably a PhD in life sciences or a related field.
- Commercial leadership experience preferably in biotech or life sciences.
- Connections to a biotech ecosystem, including universities, tech transfer offices, investors, startups, economic development agencies, or real estate.
- Familiarity with early-stage company formation, venture investment, or related activities.
Responsibilities
- Initiate and grow relationships with stakeholders in the greater San Diego area, including universities, research institutes, tech transfer offices, economic development agencies, trade groups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and real estate partners.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective resident life science startups and lead the full sales cycle from lead generation through deal closure.
- Lead regional marketing and advertising efforts to attract resident companies and strategic partners.
- Represent BioLabs at local and national conferences, tradeshows, panels, and community events.
- Monitor market trends, the competitive landscape, and customer needs to refine sales strategies and support regional growth.
- Cultivate relationships with resident startups, support their development, and highlight their successes.
- Design and implement events and educational programming for BioLabs residents and the broader biotech community.
- Manage the site team, including operations and events personnel, and foster a collaborative, service-oriented, high-performing culture.
- Collaborate with BioLabs Operations leadership to standardize and continuously improve operational practices across locations.
- Partner with BioLabs headquarters to develop annual strategic goals and operating budgets, ensure financial accountability, and manage within approved targets.
- Support the BioLabs Global team in identifying and advancing new business opportunities in the region.
- Share best practices and insights as a contributor to the BioLabs team to enhance network-wide impact.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
