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Head of Operations / COO

Autonomy Bio
San FrranciscoOn-site1y ago
Employment
Full-time
Seniority
Lead

About the role

About Us

We are an early-stage biotech company developing drugs with the goal of reducing multi-morbidity and earning an indication for aging, as opposed to the treatment of specific diseases. Our ultimate mission is to establish aging as a therapeutic area and empower humans with more time with loved ones and autonomy over their health. This is a new paradigm focused on keeping healthy people healthy as opposed to treating individual diseases after they occur.

Read more in .

Why This Role Matters

As our Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer, you’ll be orchestrating the people, processes, and culture needed to bring our mission to life. 

Here’s how you’ll help us shape the future of aging therapeutics:

  • Departmental Accountability & Integration: Develop and refine processes (OKRs, project management frameworks) that streamline cross-departmental collaborations and decision-making.

  • Organizational Culture & Process Optimization: Foster a collaborative, and results-driven culture consistent with our core values (Ownership, Hacker Mindset, Rigor, Communication, Care).

  • Hiring & Team Development: Oversee strategic hiring plans, ensuring we attract and retain top talent. 

  • Champion Day-to-Day Excellence: Own the operational details that make our bold vision a reality. Your leadership frees the CEO to concentrate on fundraising, partnerships, and high-level strategy.

  • Financial Oversight & Resource Allocation: Manage and forecast budgets across departments, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with strategic priorities. Provide ongoing financial reporting and scenario planning to inform executive decisions.

Success Measures

Within the First 3–6 Months, You Will Have:

  • Implemented OKRs and Scorecards that allow for real-time reporting on departmental projects.

  • Hired 3–5 Key FTEs using a well-structured interview and evaluation process.

  • Completed Robust Financial & Resource Planning for at least the next 12–18 months, covering departmental budgets and spending forecasts.

  • Established Quick Wins on Regulatory Compliance by creating an internal FDA-readiness checklist for upcoming interactions (e.g., Type C meetings).

  • Built an Integrated Project Plan Templates (e.g., Gantt chart) that visually aligns CMC, nonclinical, and clinical milestones for leadership and the board.

Within the First Year, You Will Have:

  • Scaled the Organization from a handful of FTEs to potentially 15–25+ FTEs, with clear departmental structures.

  • Fully Operationalized Compliance Systems (QMS, HR, GxP frameworks) to meet the unique demands of combination-product development.

  • Established a Physical Office, along with robust operational infrastructure (finance software, data management platforms, etc.).

  • Hosted Two Company Retreats to strengthen team cohesion and strategic alignment.

  • Negotiated or Supported Master Service Agreements with supply chain and CRO/CMO partners, ensuring uninterrupted production for clinical trials.

  • Implemented a Globally Recognized Quality Management System (QMS) that addresses all combination-product regulatory requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

  1. Hacker Mindset & Resourcefulness: Comfortable improvising in a fast-growing startup, finding pragmatic solutions to complex problems. 

  2. Excellent Communication & Cross-Functional Leadership: E.g. Skilled at presenting nuanced operational and financial data to both technical teams and investor audiences.

  3. Rigor & Detail Oriented: Meticulous in building financial models, project plans, and risk assessments.

  4. Resilience & Toughness: Demonstrated success in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Comfortable acting as a key decision-maker and “go-to” problem-solver for the CEO and board.

  5. Regulatory & Clinical Acumen: Familiarity with drug development timelines, especially for combination products requiring scale-up in CMC, regulatory, and clinical frameworks.

  6. Technological Savvy: Able to incorporate modern tools (project management software, data dashboards, AI-driven workflows) to streamline operations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3+ years of Executive or Senior Operational Experience in biotech, pharma, or a related industry.

  • Demonstrable Success Overseeing Phase Transitions (e.g., from early-stage to late-stage  clinical) and coordinating cross-functional teams.

  • Proven Track Record of Establishing Quality Systems (GxP, QMS) and scaling manufacturing processes (especially for combination products).

  • Experience Scaling and Managing Teams of 5–20+ Members with direct accountability for their performance.

  • Startup Experience (2+ years) or similar environment where agility and hands-on leadership are paramount.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred).

Perks & benefits

  • Company Retreats

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