Director, Strategy & Business Operations Business Operations Berkeley, CA

Director of Business Operations & Strategy

Prellis Biologics is an AI-driven therapeutics company developing the EXIS platforman integrated, rapid, immune-guided discovery and engineering engine capable of delivering validated drug candidates in weeks. Backed by major investors and supported by partnerships with industry leaders such as Eli Lilly, Prellis is entering a phase of accelerated growth: expanding our internal pipeline, shaping new platform applications, and exploring multiple spin-out opportunities in 2026.

We are seeking a Director of Business Operations & Strategy to serve as a central leader across strategic planning, operational execution, portfolio management, partnerships, and commercialization strategy. This individual will report up through the Chief Operating Officer and work directly with the CEO, Head of BD, scientific leadership, and Board advisors to drive the next phase of company growth.

Role Overview

The Director will be responsible for translating company strategy into operational reality. This position requires a unique blend of biotech strategy, early-stage BD capability, analytical rigor, cross-functional leadership, and an ability to "connect the dots" across science, business, and execution.

You will lead initiatives across:

• Corporate & IP strategy (2-year plan alignment, competitive analysis, platform trajectory)
• Portfolio strategy & asset development planning (internal pipeline and partnerships)
• Partnership evaluation & deal support (follow-on collaborations, BD outreach, diligence packages)
• Business operations (OKR planning, dashboards, resource allocation, productivity tracking)
• Board materials & investor storytelling
• Commercial and market landscaping for new therapeutic areas
• Cross-functional program management to ensure R&D, ML/AI, and platform teams are aligned

This is a highly strategic, high-visibility role in a fast-moving company where clarity, structure, and execution will shape Prellis' trajectory over the next several years.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Corporate Development

• Lead development of company-wide strategy, annual plans, and multi-year growth initiatives.
• Own strategic frameworks for evaluation of platform opportunities
• Partner with CEO and BD leadership to refine Prellis' near-term and long-term strategic narrative.
• Conduct market, competitive, and scientific landscape analyses across disease areas (e.g. immunology, oncology, metabolic disease, TCRs, ADCs, and animal health biologics).
• Build business cases, operating plans, IP/tech transfer frameworks, and financial models for new departments and initiatives

2. Portfolio Strategy & Internal Asset Planning

• Develop portfolio dashboards, valuation models, and decision-support materials for internal pipeline selection.
• Coordinate asset progression plans from discovery ? AI-enhanced engineering ? in-vitro function ? IND-enabling decision gates.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, ML/AI, program management, and platform engineering groups to ensure integrated timelines and resourcing.

3. Partnerships & BD Support

• Create partner-facing materials, technical briefs, and value narratives.
• Support negotiation strategy, deal model development, diligence readiness, and scientific positioning.
• Interface with external collaborators to ensure strong operational execution against milestone-driven partnerships.
• Work with preclinical vendors and consultants to enable our programs to reach the clinic in the US and internationally.

4. Business Operations & Organizational Enablement

• Build and maintain company-level OKRs, operating calendars, decision logs, and governance structures.
• Partner with finance on budget development, scenario modeling, and resource planning.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives (data infrastructure, productivity tracking, dashboarding).
• Serve as a connective tissue across science, ML, operations, and executive leadership.

5. Executive & Board Communications

• Develop high-impact presentations for the Board, investors, and strategic partners.
• Shape clear narratives around platform productivity, IP maturation, pipeline acceleration, and new market opportunities.
• Ensure company storytelling remains aligned, compelling, and data-driven.

Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years experience in biotech strategy, management consulting, BD, corporate development, or operations within therapeutics, platform biotech, or adjacent fields.
• Demonstrated success operating in early-stage, fast-moving biotech environments.
• Strong ability to translate complex scientific input into business strategy and investor-ready narratives.
• Experience creating financial models, business cases, and strategic frameworks.
• Exceptional slide development and written communication skills (Board-quality).
• Proven leadership in cross-functional program management.
• Comfort working with ambiguous, evolving priorities and high strategic importance.

Preferred

• Experience in antibody discovery, immunology, oncology, metabolic disease, or cell therapy.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled discovery platforms and infrastructure.
• Exposure to spin-out formation, venture incubation, or tech transfer.
• Experience supporting partner negotiations or alliance management.
• Graduate degree in life sciences, business, or related field (PhD, MD, MBA strongly preferred).

What Makes This Role Unique

• You will help define a new category of AI-enabled discovery.
• You will directly influence corporate strategy, portfolio composition, and business development.
• Your work will shape Prellis' growth at a strategic inflection point as the IP estate matures and high-value adjacencies emerge.
• You will operate with a high degree of ownership and executive exposure.
• You will contribute to decisions that can unlock significant enterprise and equity value.

What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity package
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Flexible PTO
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunity for leadership expansion as Prellis continues to scale

Prellis Bio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teamsgrounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiencesand work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.