Senior Director, Corporate Operations

Location(s): Pittsburgh, PA or Remote

Job Status: Full-Time

Supervisor: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Position Overview

The Senior Director, Corporate Operations will report to the COO and play a critical role in driving the execution of Peptilogics’ operational and strategic priorities. This individual will partner with executive leadership to translate business goals into actionable plans, oversee cross-functional operations, and optimize systems and processes to support growth. The Senior Director will have broad exposure across the organization, with a focus on enabling execution, improving scalability, and contributing to key strategic initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a key operational leader, partnering with the COO and executive team to align strategy with execution
• Lead company-wide operational planning and ensure alignment with strategic goals
• Facilitate forecasts, budget development, resource allocation, vendor payments, and operational performance tracking with Finance
• Implement and improve systems, processes, and tools to drive operational scalability and excellence
• Implement and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) and oversee SOP creation, updates, and audit readiness
• Ensure compliance across corporate operations, development activities, legal, insurance, and regulatory requirements; foster a culture of compliance
• Oversee management of non-owned physical facilities (labs, offices, external manufacturing sites), IT infrastructure, and enterprise software systems
• Work closely with the Development team to manage relationships with CROs, CMOs, and preclinical and clinical trial providers
• Lead sourcing, procurement, and logistics to support research, development, and external manufacturing operations
• Negotiate contracts and ensure cost-effective resource utilization across all operational activities
• Manage HCP contracting and compliance processes
• Serve as primary point of contact for legal service vendors and coordinate legal operational needs
• Identify operational risks, gaps, and bottlenecks, and proactively lead solutions
• Manage the Operations team including hiring, performance, coaching, and career development
• Drive operational KPIs and reporting, including preparation of materials for executive and board updates
• Ensure operational compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Support business development and partnership activities through operational due diligence and integration planning
• Support fundraising and investor relations by providing operational insights, data, and reporting
• Support cross-functional teams (R&D, Commercial, Project Management) in executing strategic initiatives
• Collaborate with the COO and Finance on long-range planning and scenario modeling
• Contribute to shaping company culture by supporting initiatives around collaboration, communication, and team building
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., life sciences, business, engineering); advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD) preferred
• 10+ years of experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences operations
• 3–5 years in a leadership or senior operations role, ideally in a high-growth or venture-backed environment
• Experience scaling operations in a startup or growth-stage company (preferred)
• Prior operational involvement in fundraising, investor relations, or board reporting (preferred)
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Excellent financial and business acumen; experience with budgets, forecasts, and KPIs
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop teams
• Deep understanding of operational compliance, including legal, regulatory, quality management (QMS), and audit readiness
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop teams across diverse operational functions
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level reporting and presentations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level reporting and presentations
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Ability to drive cross-functional alignment and collaboration across scientific, operational, and corporate teams
• Strategic thinking and ability to scale operations in a growth-stage environment or commercialization-ready biotech environment
• Experience with contract development, procurement, and resource optimization
• Familiarity with QMS implementation, SOP development, and compliance frameworks in a biotech/pharma setting
• Financial fluency to support investor relations, board reporting, and fundraising activities
• Familiarity with technology-driven R&D environments including computational biology, machine learning
• Change management and process improvement capabilities
• Experience managing HCP engagement processes and ensuring compliance in clinical development