Director, Facilities

Watchmaker Genomics•Boulder, CO, CO

10d•$140,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Watchmaker Genomics is seeking a seasoned Facilities Director to lead facilities operations and strategy at its Boulder, Colorado headquarters. Reporting to the Vice President, Operations, this senior leadership role is responsible for long-term planning, development, compliance, and optimization of facilities functions. The Director oversees physical infrastructure supporting research and development, manufacturing, and office operations, ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory standards. The role calls for an experienced facilities leader who can provide strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence in a regulated life science or advanced manufacturing environment. The Director will help shape a safe, compliant, and scalable operational environment that supports the company’s growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, operations, or a related discipline.
10 or more years of relevant industry experience, including 5 or more years in facilities leadership roles.
Demonstrated success managing complex facilities operations in a fast-paced, growth-stage biotech or life sciences environment.
In-depth knowledge of complex building systems, laboratory infrastructure, and manufacturing environments.
Strong understanding of facilities operations in regulated life science or pharmaceutical settings.
Experience in capital project management, EH&S leadership, and regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage external stakeholders, including contractors, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
Strong planning, organizational, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.
Submit a letter of motivation and a resume or curriculum vitae in PDF format; applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered.
Applicants will be asked whether they are currently eligible to work in the United States and whether they will require visa sponsorship now or in the future.
The position may require pre-employment checks, including driving history, drug screening, and background checks for convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Local candidates are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a long-term facilities strategy supporting company growth, scientific innovation, and operational efficiency.
Lead space planning initiatives, including laboratory expansions, equipment commissioning, office renovations, and infrastructure upgrades.
Collaborate with executive leadership to align facilities planning with company-wide strategic goals.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimization of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, office, and critical manufacturing infrastructure.
Establish and enforce preventive maintenance programs and vendor management protocols.
Maintain uninterrupted operations through risk management, business continuity, and emergency response plans.
Manage facilities capital projects from design through execution, including scope, budget, and timeline.
Develop and manage annual facilities operating and capital expenditure budgets.
Lead contractor negotiations and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective, high-quality service delivery.
Ensure facilities and equipment comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including ISO and OSHA standards.
Maintain documentation for audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions.
Serve as a point of contact during audits and inspections and lead corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Serve as executive sponsor of the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) program and ensure compliance with safety protocols, policies, and training requirements.
Lead the EH&S committee and promote a culture of safety across functions.
Stay current on evolving safety regulations and industry standards.
Build and manage a high-performing facilities and EH&S team, including facilities technicians, contractors, and safety personnel.
Mentor team members, support their professional development, and establish clear performance expectations.
Foster a collaborative and accountable culture within the operations department.
Lead initiatives to improve energy efficiency, space utilization, sustainability, and cost management.
Evaluate and implement technologies to improve facility performance and monitoring.
Monitor industry trends and recommend strategic improvements.