Interim Operations Lead

A biotechnology start-up focused on vaccine development is looking for an Operations Lead (Mat Cover) to support the Director of Operations

Seeking a skilled Interim Operations Lead to provide maternity cover for our Director of Operations. You will lead the operations function during this period, working closely with the CEO and the senior leadership team (SLT) to ensure continuity, strategic execution, and team alignment across all core business functions. As the most senior operations leader during the maternity leave period, you will be accountable for the effectiveness and continuity of our operational function, HR, facilities, compliance, and collaborating with the CBO/CFO on financial processes. You’ll report to the CEO, participate in SLT meetings, and contribute to the company’s strategic planning and decision-making.

You will line manage the Operations Manager and Lab Operations Analyst, ensuring strong delivery, clear priorities, and a culture of trust and transparency. You will also play a critical role in aligning operational initiatives with company strategy while managing the day-to-day demands of a growing, fast-paced biotech environment. This is a hands-on role that requires someone with experience wearing multiple hats, ideally someone who’s led operations in a fast-paced biotech or life sciences start-up environment.

Key Responsibilities:
Scope & Strategic Impact

• Ensure strategic execution and continuity of our operational function.
• Serve as the operational voice in SLT meetings; align departmental execution with strategic company-wide priorities.
• Provide leadership and direction to ensure effective, values-driven operations across the business.

Finance, HR, and Facilities Leadership

• Working closely with the CFO and Operations Manager to oversee invoices, payment runs, payroll, employee benefits, and expense management.
• Collaborate with external accountants on financial reporting.
• Responsible for Operations budget and forecasting.
• Ensure HR processes run smoothly: onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, policy implementation, and compliance.
• Maintain a compliant, safe, and functional office and lab environment in coordination with the Operations Manager and Lab Ops Analyst.

People & Performance Management

• Line manage and support development of two direct reports: Operations Manager and Lab Operations Analyst.
• Set clear goals, coach performance, and support effective, inclusive team dynamics.
• Enable autonomous decision-making within your team while providing clarity and escalation support.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D, engineering, finance, and leadership peers to ensure alignment and unblock progress.
• Foster a strong feedback culture across operations; ensure transparency and proactive communication.

What You Bring:
Experience

• Proven experience in senior operations leadership (e.g., Director of Ops, Associate Director, or Head of Ops) in biotech, and ideally a start-up setting.
• Comfortable owning a broad remit across HR, finance, facilities, H&S and IT operations.
• Experienced in managing direct reports and building high-performing teams.
• Skilled at both hands-on execution and strategic planning.

Core Competencies

• Communication: You communicate with clarity and precision across levels, resolving ambiguity and aligning stakeholders with the company vision.
• Collaboration: You build cross-functional networks, navigate competing priorities, and foster trust across teams and leadership.
• Innovation: You champion continuous improvement, anticipate future needs, and enable experimentation with operational discipline.
• Problem Solving: You identify and resolve systemic challenges, making strategic, data-informed decisions in uncertain environments.

Leadership Mindset

• You lead with curiosity, openness, and a people-first approach.
• You model high integrity, low ego, and a values-driven decision-making style.
• You empower others, drive alignment, and thrive in a dynamic, high-context environment.

Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates