Director, Facilities

Watchmaker Genomics•Boulder, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Watchmaker Genomics is seeking a seasoned Facilities Director to lead facilities operations and strategy at its Boulder, Colorado headquarters. This senior leadership role reports to the Vice President, Operations and is responsible for long-term planning, development, compliance, and optimization of facilities functions. The Director oversees physical infrastructure supporting R&D, manufacturing, and office operations, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals and regulatory standards. The role focuses on shaping a safe, compliant, and scalable operational environment that supports company growth.

Requirements

10+ years of relevant industry experience, including 5+ years in facilities leadership roles.
Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, operations, or a related discipline.
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.
Exceptional planning, organizational, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills across technical and executive audiences.
Demonstrated success managing complex facilities operations in a fast-paced, growth-stage biotech or life sciences environment.

Nice To Haves

Local candidates are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a long-term facilities strategy that supports company growth, scientific innovation, and operational efficiency.
Lead space planning, 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.
Ensure 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.
Oversee documentation for audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions.
Act as a point of contact during audits and inspections and lead corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Serve as executive sponsor of the company's 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.
Build and manage a high-performing facilities and EH&S team, including technicians, contractors, and safety personnel.
Provide mentorship, professional development, and clear performance expectations for team members.
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 enhance facility performance and monitoring capabilities.
Stay current on industry trends and recommend strategic improvements.