Head of Facilities Operations (VP or Senior Director)

The Opportunity 
At insitro, we are combining human biology at scale and machine learning to discover and develop new therapeutics. The heart of our strategy is to produce large data sets that will drive machine learning and yield key biological insights. This strategy requires a seamless, robust, and effective operation that simultaneously spans internal and partnered projects. 

Reporting to the CFO, we are seeking a highly experienced facilities leader that has a wide range of experience, including long-term initiatives such as space planning and building out a new headquarters to support the Company’s growth, as well as, management of the day-to-day office infrastructure, general facilities and maintenance activities.  This role is also responsible for leading the EH&S compliance and assisting with lab capital purchases and maintenance.    

As the first hire in this role, you will be accountable for all facilities and lab activities, including and not limited to: leading the coordination of tenant improvements, general office and janitorial maintenance, managing physical security, inventory tracking and purchase of non-lab furniture and fixtures, developing emergency response planning, and developing and implementing company policies. The successful candidate will also have strong communication skills, the ability to make or recommend effective high quality decisions, the ability to multitask and prioritize urgent issues, and a customer-oriented approach to internal and external stakeholders. This role partners closely with G&A, IT, Legal and will work cross-functionally with our scientists, engineers, and operational colleagues to support our rapid company growth.   

Your primary duties will be:

Space Planning & Real Estate and Lease Administration: 
- Plan and lead long-term building, space planning and critical redesign efforts including leading the bid evaluation, contract award, negotiation processes of our new headquarters build-out, as appropriate
- Oversee work by architects, external contractors, construction and engineering teams in close collaboration with internal stakeholders and real estate partners
- Serve as lead point of contact with Property Management and ensure compliance with lease agreements
- Responsible for lease termination and close-out 
- Partner with HR to optimize the work space to sustain and support a hybrid office culture  


Facilities Management and Capital Equipment: 
- Manage all general office repairs, HVAC and tenant improvements including contracts, permits and licenses as needed
- Manage janitorial services and facilities external vendors
- Manage building inspections from government and city regulators and ensure fire and building codes are current 
- Take accountability for physical security, including badge management, alarms and visitor management and policies
- Purchase office furniture and fixtures (non-lab) and ensure proper tracking of Company property  
- Partner with lab colleagues on lab equipment purchases and maintenance
- Create and manage the budgeting of equipment, labor, material and external cost
- Be available after hours for on call supportWhen applicable, hire and mentor a team to support company growth


EH&S Management:  
- Lead emergency response planning, including the design of evacuation plans, disaster recovery and documentation
- Develop and lead training on policies and procedures in collaboration with team  

You will be joining an exciting biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, yet is very much in formation. A lot can change in this early and exciting phase, providing many opportunities for significant impact across several functions and disciplines. You will work closely with a very talented team, learn a broad range of skills, and help shape insitro’s culture, strategic direction, and outcomes. Join us in leading the way to better medicines through predictive models by integrating machine learning and biology at scale.   


About You 
- 15+ years of relevant work experience in facilities for a life science, biotech, or high-throughput biology operations 
- Bachelor degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, or related field
- Knowledge of cGMP Facilities Professional certifications, a plus
- Training or certification in EH&S processes
- Experience in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general building maintenance
- Proven track record in completing multiple tasks while maintaining a compliance-oriented mindset
- Experience in space planning and new headquarters build-out 
- Highly collaborative, team-oriented and an effective communicator
- Ability to work independently with general direction and guidance
- Ability to prioritize and multitask in an ever changing environment
- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds
- Passion for making a difference in the world  


Benefits at insitro
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Open vacation policy
- Team lunches (catered daily)
- Complementary onsite barista and snacks 
- Commuter benefits
- Paid parental leave
- Flexible work schedule (on site and remote)
- Competitive compensation and 401K matching 

About insitro
insitro is a drug discovery and development company using machine learning and data generation at scale to transform the way that drugs are discovered and delivered to patients. We rely on human genetic cohorts, human-derived cellular disease models, and high-throughput biology and chemistry to identify coherent patient segments, actionable therapeutic targets, and new or existing chemical matter. The goal is to deliver predictive insights to improve the probability of success and reduce the number of costly dead ends along the R&D journey. The company has established enabling collaborations with Gilead in NASH and Bristol Myers Squibb in ALS and is building a pipeline of wholly owned and partnered medicines leveraging its unique insights on patient biomarkers, targets, and molecules. insitro is located in South San Francisco, CA and has raised over $600M from top tech, biotech, and crossover investors since formation in 2018. For more information on insitro, please visit the company’s website at www.insitro.com.