Facilities Manager (Contract)

DELFI Diagnostics • Palo Alto, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

DELFI Diagnostics is developing blood-based cancer detection tests using machine-learning analysis of whole-genome sequencing data. The company’s platform uses fragmentomics to identify patterns in cell-free DNA fragments. Its first laboratory-developed screening test, FirstLook Lung, is intended for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening and has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.

The Facilities Manager leads day-to-day facilities, environmental health and safety (EH&S), and laboratory inventory operations for DELFI’s Palo Alto laboratory and office spaces. Reporting to the Director, Facilities & Supply Chain, the role manages facilities and inventory staff, vendor and property-management relationships, and the processes, SOPs, and controls that support clinical and research laboratories. The manager partners with R&D, Lab Operations, Quality, IT, Legal, Procurement, Accounts Payable, and People teams to keep facilities operating reliably and to develop infrastructure for commercial launch. The position requires working onsite five days a week at the Palo Alto office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Environmental Health & Safety, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant work experience; or a master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant work experience; or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of facilities and/or inventory management experience in a life sciences, biotech, or diagnostics laboratory environment.
• At least 2 years of direct experience managing and developing a team.
• Training or certification in EH&S processes and working knowledge of applicable regulations, including Cal/OSHA, hazardous materials and waste, and fire code requirements.
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP-based inventory management, including cycle counts, inventory adjustments, and period-end close.
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general building maintenance.
• Experience leading internal and external audits related to facilities and inventory management.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, build relationships at all organizational levels, and communicate effectively in writing and presentations.

Nice To Haves

• Hazardous materials and waste certification, such as DOT/RCRA hazardous waste training.
• Experience supporting facilities and inventory operations in a CLIA/CAP- or ISO 13485-regulated environment.
• Experience with laboratory or office build-outs or relocations, including vendor bids and contract negotiation.
• Experience managing facilities or inventory teams across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop facilities and inventory staff, including hiring, training, goal setting, performance management, and corrective action.
• Own the facilities safety inspection program, including daily walkthroughs, recurring safety tasks, fire extinguisher inspections, and annual evacuation drills.
• Build and manage an EH&S program, including hazardous materials and waste management, to meet applicable city, state, and federal requirements for clinical and research laboratories.
• Manage vendors providing building maintenance and improvements, including electrical, plumbing, utilities, HVAC, and hazardous materials and waste services.
• Co-own the Property Management relationship with the Director, Supply Chain, and ensure building and lease compliance.
• Oversee physical security, including badge access, alarms, and visitor management policies.
• Partner with Lab Operations on laboratory equipment readiness and maintenance, and with administrative staff on daily office operations.
• Support long-term space planning and build-out projects, including bid evaluation, contract award, and negotiation for a new headquarters, under the direction of the Director, Supply Chain.
• Partner with the People team to optimize the workspace for a hybrid office culture.
• Oversee site and laboratory inventory operations in the ERP system, including MRP parameters, purchase order receipts, reorder points, inventory adjustments, cycle count accuracy, and month- and year-end close.
• Manage the in-house manufacturing work order process from raw materials to finished goods inventory, as well as incoming specimen receipt.
• Lead Material Specification Sheet (MSS) and Material Review Board (MRB) processes, and partner with Quality and Procurement on supplier corrective action requests, supplier lot information, and segregation of discrepant materials for disposition.
• Resolve purchase order and invoice discrepancies with Procurement and Accounts Payable to maintain supplier relationships.
• Develop and maintain facilities and inventory management SOPs, deliver training on policies and procedures, and lead related internal and external audits.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to scale facilities and inventory operations across DELFI sites in preparation for commercial launch.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager