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Director of Operations

San Leandro, CA

About the Company

We envision a world where we continuously, sustainably, and affordably improve human life with synthetic biology. Our proprietary set of enzymes and our manufacturing approach enables the production of thousands of amino acids that were previously too difficult and expensive to make. These “noncanonical” amino acids that we make are already catalyzing the creation of revolutionary and innovative products that are good for people and the planet. 

Our technology outperforms traditional manufacturing approaches by 10–100x across the board. We already sell products to Big 10 Pharmaceutical companies, and our product family includes the key components of multi-billion dollar blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.

We are a diverse, passionate, interdisciplinary team that finds joy in building something new that leaves the world better than we found it. We strive to always learn and improve and have a deep desire to capitalize on our creativity and be exceptional at what we do.

Job Summary

This role will build and own the operations infrastructure that unlocks the next level of scale and success for Aralez Bio. As the first operations leadership hire, the Director of Operations is a critical role for the company and will report directly to the CEO. You’ll be responsible for all business operations, facilities and lab operations, as well as making sure we seamlessly get products in and out the door. 

We are ~20 people and will be doubling in the next year as you help us become a company with operations equipped to manufacture multi-ton orders in 2026. We need someone who is at home in wet lab environments, has “been-there-done-that” experience with complex operations projects, and who is still ready and excited to roll up their sleeves and build things from scratch with a very small team.

“With our recent Series A funding and government awards, we are at an exciting stage in the growth of our company. The Director of Operations will play a huge role in that growth, allowing our team to work efficiently with the time and resources available. This role needs to function comfortably in the chaos of a startup while helping to develop sound structures and processes that can evolve over time.”
 -Tina Boville, CEO 

You’ll also have the privilege of building your team and developing the group into a high-functioning department with a service mentality that supports all other departments in their work. We envision this role as right for someone who enjoys being ‘the glue’ between departments and projects, and is exceptional at creating alignment between parties with different needs. We’d also like to bring someone on who holistically thinks about and incorporates our company values when creating processes and materials.

Responsibilities:

  • Own business initiatives to scope, build, and implement processes, tools, and workflows that support company growth by improving efficiency and communication. 
  • Evolve operations processes as the organization evolves.
  • Own facility operations, including building and equipment, supply chain, shipping, and receiving.
  • Strategically engage vendors, consultants, and fractional team members to address the company’s operational needs.
  • Lead day to day operations by managing planning, overseeing work product, and driving outcomes of interdisciplinary working groups and key stakeholders.
  • Proactively integrate our company’s values into our daily operations to build a positive work environment.
  • Work with key stakeholders to strategically plan for the company’s operational needs, ensuring continued improvements and scalability.
  • Work closely with Finance and People teams as part of ongoing operations, and contribute to scoping and implementing the company’s high-level strategy.

Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of business or manufacturing operations experience in biotech or a similarly complex industry.
  • 3+ years of experience managing or overseeing chemistry or biology wet lab facilities, preferably including pilot or manufacturing-scale operations or equivalent experience. 
  • Experience building out lab or production facilities is a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience building operations from scratch and scaling operations for companies or teams up to 100+ employees. Example: experience building from a small start up - or directly contributing during a growth phase i.e. 50-100 or 100-150. Alternatively this experience could have been gained within a department at a larger organization.
  • Proven track record in managing highly complex, long-term projects and leading high-performing, interdisciplinary teams.
  • High level of adaptability and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent communication skills paired with the organizational prowess to manage multiple critical projects concurrently.
  • Demonstrated capabilities in team management, including hiring and growing teams in their capability, scope and skill while contributing to a healthy culture and overall employee satisfaction.

Compensation

Aralez Bio’s salary range for this position is $200,000–$250,000 per year, based on your performance and experience. In addition, your total rewards package will include equity, medical, dental, and vision coverage, weekly catered lunch, an unlimited PTO policy, company offsite, and other benefits.

Benefits at Aralez Bio

  • Medical / Dental / Vision coverage
  • Equity
  • 401k
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Unlimited time off policy
  • Weekly catered lunch
  • Professional Development opportunities
  • Annual company retreat

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aralez Bio is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, sex, and any other group protected under federal, state, or local laws. 

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please reach out if an accommodation is needed. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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