Head of Business Operations

Head of Business Operations, Medicines for All Institute

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Job Summary:

Medicines for All (M4ALL), a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute founded with commitment to improving access to medications across the globe by driving down production costs. We do this, in part, by developing low-cost, high-quality routes for the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Serving as part of our executive leadership team (ELT), the Head of Business Operations plays a critical role in ensuring we execute and deliver on our mission. This position provides strategic leadership, direction and oversight in the planning, implementing, improving, and evaluating of our business activities and operations. The Head of Business Operations leads a skilled shared services team and reaches across every aspect of our organization, tasked with ensuring effective strategies, processes, and procedures to drive the growth of our business.

Key Responsibilities:

The Head of Business Operations has substantial decision-making authority and scope to significantly impact and influence M4ALL’s rapid growth and transformation. Responsibilities span across operational, financial, administrative, and people management functions. This role is pivotal in overseeing both the tactical execution and strategic direction of our business operations, harmonizing the management of the day-to-day operations with formulating long-term strategies that align with our long-term organizational goals.

Skills and Experience:

As a key leader within our organization, this position requires a combination of business acumen, technical proficiency, and organizational finesse to navigate and manage complex organizational structures, dynamics, and processes with skill, precision, and diplomacy.

Required Experience and Skills for Success:

• 10+ years of experience as a senior leader in healthcare/pharmaceutical or closely related industry with knowledge of business operations functions, such as finance, IT, human resources, facility and office management
• Experience with contract research, development, and/or manufacturing service administration is strongly preferred
• Advanced degree, or a combination of education, training and experience that equates to an advanced degree
• Experience building and leading a growing organization (e.g., startup or scaling) will be beneficial in this role; Strong ability to maximize efficiency, effectively manage limited resources, and find creative ways to overcome challenges
• Proven track record in optimizing current operational practices while developing forward-thinking strategies for future operational excellence. Must possess the strategic foresight to anticipate industry trends, adapt operations accordingly, and lead initiatives that align with long-term organizational goals
• Understanding of industry trends and challenges with a strong aptitude to evolve business operations in alignment with market needs
• Proven ability to lead change effectively, drive transformation, and inspire teams to adapt to new strategies
• Strategically minded with tactical awareness of shifting priorities. Must be adaptable to disruptions and accountable for decision-making across functional areas in a rapidly changing business environment
• Proven record of building and leading high performing teams, across varying functions and capabilities within a target driven environment
• Strong understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and risk management. Experience leading financial aspects such as financial health and sustainability within an organization is essential
• Experience with proactively developing and promoting key stakeholder relationships by listening, problem solving, and generating solutions using customer perspectives and needs
• Successful track record of driving end-to-end complex bodies of work with high value business performance while controlling costs and ensuring operational efficiencies
• Unwavering commitment to aligning and adhering to M4ALL’s core values and purpose
• Exhibit high ethical standards and promote respectful behavior within the organization; Approachable leader who listens carefully and thoughtfully, works to understand needs and strives to exceed expectations with both our internal and external customers
• Effective oral and written communicator with broad audiences using tact and diplomacy
• Strong cultural competency with a dedication to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience building and leading finance teams
• A deep understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices to effectively plan, execute, and control complex projects
• Experience with grant or research administration
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness principles and proven ability to build and inspire cohesive teams
• Experience partnering Legal and IP functions to facilitate desired business operations outcomes

Starting Salary:

Commensurate With Experience, reflective of operating as a non-profit with the agility and innovation typical of a start-up.

Life at Medicines for All:

A career with M4ALL offers an invaluable chance to contribute meaningfully to work centered around tackling critical global health challenges. Our working environment is high-energy and the culture is mission-driven. The problems we hope to solve are immense, and we are just getting started on this journey! Join us in making a lasting impact at the forefront of pressing health issues worldwide!

VCU and M4ALL is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.