Director of Operations - #150116

Director of Operations (Job ID 1606)

Full-time (100%)

The company

At Abselion we're on a mission to revolutionize protein research. Our vision is to empower scientists to focus on discovery and innovation, not tedious manual tasks. We have created Amperia, a compact, affordable benchtop solution designed to simplify protein research for everyone. Amperia helps researchers to develop the medicine of the future, find the best ways to produce novel biomolecules, and ensure that medicine is always safe and efficacious.

We are a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of biotechnology and engineering. We value a flat hierarchy, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and follow their passion. We are supported by some of the leading investors and companies in the biopharmaceutical industry.

The role

We are looking for a Director of Operations (5-10 years' experience) to lead, professionalise, and scale our operations as Abselion grows. You will build on the foundations already in place, own our operational strategy, and ensure operational excellence across all company functions, including lab operations, facilities, compliance, IT, and supplier management.

As a senior leader, you will work closely with the CEO and leadership team to translate Abselion’s growth plans into robust, scalable operational processes. You will manage and mentor a small operations team, oversee major supplier and partner relationships, and help us stay ahead of compliance and regulatory requirements in a fast-moving biotech environment.

Your responsibilities

• Own and deliver Abselion’s overall operational strategy, ensuring the company’s infrastructure can scale effectively
• Develop and continuously improve operational processes across HR, legal, supplier management, IT, lab, and facilities
• Oversee lab and facilities operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and optimal performance
• Build, manage, and grow the operations team as the company expands
• Serve as senior point of contact for suppliers, contractors, landlords, and external partners
• Negotiate and manage high-value contracts and commercial agreements
• Lead risk management, including compliance frameworks, HSE, and regulatory standards
• Support financial planning and budgeting for operational areas
• Advise the leadership team and participate in strategic planning for Abselion’s growth trajectory

Requirements

• 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in operations leadership roles, ideally within biotech, life sciences, or engineering
• Experience in a scaling startup environment
• Strong track record of developing and scaling operational processes
• Experience managing complex lab or facilities operations
• Proven skills in risk management, compliance, and supplier negotiations
• Excellent stakeholder and team leadership skills
• Strategic mindset with a pragmatic, hands-on approach
• Strong financial awareness, including operational budgeting and resource planning

Desired

• Familiarity with ISO standards, laboratory safety certifications, or quality management systems
• Previous responsibility for managing cross-functional teams

What we offer

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment in a growing biotech.
• Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing operations function.
• Share option scheme.
• Competitive base salary (£65,000 – £90,000 depending on experience).
• Be part of a great team working at the intersection of biology, engineering, and data science.

Start date

Immediate

Location

The role is on-site located in Cambridge, UK.

Application process

First stage: Video or phone call; Second stage: Face to Face Technical Interview

How to apply

Please fill in the application form on our Careers page and attach your CV in PDF format. We look forward to receiving your application.