Senior Vice President, Operations

Senior Vice President, Operations

Slingshot Biosciences is a fast-growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make precision-engineered cell mimics the gold standard for all cell-based assay controls. We are transforming cell-based applications with the most robust, scalable, and reproducible controls available, including TruCytes Biomarker controls, SpectraComp compensation controls, ViaComp cell health controls, and FlowCytes instrument controls.

Our TruCytes cell mimics precisely replicate real cells' optical and biochemical properties - without the sourcing, quality, or cost challenges of traditional controls. Trusted in cell-based applications across cell therapy, drug development, and diagnostics, they empower process and analytical development, quality control, potency assessments, multi-site validations, clinical research studies, and assay development and validation.

Slingshot is seeking motivated, creative team members who think outside the box. We empower employees to own their work, contribute ideas quickly, and improve processes. Come join our cross-disciplinary and world-class team that is delivering game-changing solutions for cell-based applications!

We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Senior Vice President of Operations to lead and scale our end-to-end operations as we transition from research-use-only (RUO) products into regulated markets.

This executive role sits at the intersection of production, regulatory affairs, quality systems, and supply chain, and is responsible for driving product development from concept through scale-up and commercialization. The ideal candidate is both a strategic leader and hands-on builder with deep expertise in biotechnology manufacturing, regulatory strategy, and global supply chain operations ensuring delivery of high-quality products that enable advancements in cell-based research, diagnostics, and therapeutics worldwide.

Location: Emeryville, CA. This position requires on-site daily in Emeryville, California.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Executive Leadership

• Lead and scale end-to-end operations, including manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics
• Lead facility design, equipment qualification, process validation, and technology transfer
• Drive operational excellence via automation, lean manufacturing & continuous improvement
• Plan, budget, and manage operational capacity across custom and catalog product lines
• Expert user of Netsuite or a similar ERP system
• Partner with R&D, Commercial, and Finance to align product development

Regulatory Affairs & Compliance

• Develop and execute regulatory strategies to support product commercialization
• Support customer regulatory submissions by providing technical documentation and guidance
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies and industry partners
• Stay current with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices

Quality Management Systems

• Design and implement robust quality systems compliant with:
• USP standards
• ISO 17034, ISO 13485, ISO 9001
• cGMP and applicable regulatory requirements
• Oversee QA/QC functions and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure effective CAPA systems and audit readiness

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Develop and execute a robust, scalable end-to-end supply chain strategy aligned with company growth and regulatory requirements
• Establish and optimize demand planning, inventory management, and S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes
• Lead supplier qualification, auditing, and performance management in compliance with ISO and cGMP standards including dual sourcing for critical materials
• Oversee logistics, distribution, and cold chain (if applicable), ensuring on-time delivery to customers and partners
• Build and manage relationships with key suppliers, CDMOs, and logistics providers

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent) in Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in biotechnology or medical device industries
• Proven track record in scaling operations, including manufacturing and supply chain functions
• Proven track record in regulatory strategies in product development and commercialization

Technical & Domain Expertise

• Deep expertise in biotechnology manufacturing, regulatory affairs, quality systems, and supply chain operations
• Experience with cell-based products, cell mimic materials, or related technologies
• Strong knowledge of ISO standards, USP, and cGMP requirements
• Experience supporting customer regulatory submissions and technical documentation
• Expertise in process development, tech transfer, supplier qualification, and supply chain scaling
• Expertise in Netsuite or similar ERP system

Leadership & Business Acumen

• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional organizations in fast-paced environments
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and P&L management experience
• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve operational and company-wide goals
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, builder-oriented approach

Our salary ranges are calculated by role and level. Your position within that range will be determined by your job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, and training/certifications. In addition to those factors, we also examine internal equity as well as consider current market rate, and title may be assessed one level lower or higher accordingly. After you join the company your performance, contributions, and results along with business and organizational needs will affect your base salary. The base salary range for this full-time position is between $275,000 - $300,000 + bonus, equity, and benefits.

About Slingshot: Our north star is to make healthcare more accessible around the world. We are doing this by advancing cell biology to develop innovative solutions for human health.

At Slingshot, we value diversity and believe that a variety of backgrounds and experiences leads to more innovative ideas and a better understanding of our customers. Passion is at the core of our values, and employees are encouraged to pursue their passions in their work and contribute to the company's overall mission.

Slingshot Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Legal authorization to work is required for all roles. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable laws in the country where the position is based. For U.S.-based roles, this includes completion of required employment eligibility verification. For international roles, employment may be facilitated through an Employer of Record (EOR) in compliance with local regulations.