Vicinitas Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on targeted protein stabilizers known as Deubiquituinase Targeting Chimeras (DUBTACs). The company’s mission is to use this proprietary technology to solve critical problems in human health by developing next-generation disease therapies against an entire class of previously inaccessible disease-causing proteins. Spun out of an academic-industry collaboration between Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research and the University of California, Berkeley, Vicinitas Therapeutics is based in South San Francisco, California. For more information, visit www.vicinitas.com

We are seeking a Director, Facilities Operations to join our dynamic team. This critical role will ensure the seamless operation and maintenance of our state-of-the-art biotechnology laboratory, manage our office space, and guarantee compliance with all local and federal regulations.

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the successful candidate will bring 10-15 years of biotech facilities management experience with at least some of those years from within San Mateo County to navigate local regulatory landscapes efficiently. This hands-on role will involve management of EH&S and regulatory agency compliance, troubleshooting and vendor coordination, ordering lab equipment and supplies, and the proactive management of facilities to support our scientific endeavors as well as building out current and future lab space.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilities-

• Oversees the maintenance and operations of the company’s biotechnology lab facility and offices.
• Develops and administers the annual Facilities and EH&S Departmental budgets.
• Oversees and executes purchase of lab supplies and equipment including biological, chemical, office and IT materials.
• Provides guidance to personnel answering inquiries regarding facilities maintenance, staffing, safety and specific techniques and equipment.
• Responsible for all facility operations to include general maintenance, construction projects, renovations, furniture and equipment, janitorial services, and security systems.
• Oversee coordination and management of all subcontractors and vendors used for general facility maintenance and furnishings.
• Manages the safe handling, storage and disposal of all hazardous, chemically or bio-hazardous materials used by laboratory personnel in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Develops, schedules and oversees regular maintenance, inspection and calibration programs for the facility, systems and equipment.
• Responds to building and equipment alarms and emergencies as primary contact.
• Proactively manages the inventory levels, stocking, cleanliness, and order of kitchenette, copy rooms, conference rooms, and other common areas.
• Direct external vendors responsible for facility engineering, renovations, new construction planning and execution. Effectively hold parties accountable for status, deliverables, and the appropriate escalation of challenges.
• Act as organizational lead and provide project management for all current and future expansion plans.
• Monitor organizational growth and develop long-range plans, conceptual designs and capital layout requirements to accommodate growth needs in the areas of facilities.
• Manages the installation of office furniture, as well as modifications and additions to existing furniture arrangements as required to support changing needs of staff, in addition to personnel moves, additions and change.
• Plan, budget and schedule facilities modifications, renovations and repairs including cost estimates, bid sheets, layouts and contracts for construction.

EH&S-

• Manages the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all Health and Safety related programs, policies and procedures in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local environmental and safety regulations, Company policies and procedures.
• Develops and oversees company training programs for employees in areas such as compliance training, lab inspection, hazardous material handling, emergency response, industrial hygiene, and lab safety.
• Develops Emergency Response Plans and acts as point of contact for emergency personnel.
• Ensures compliance with and regulatory agencies, including OSHA, EPA, Fire Department, City of San Mateo County.
• Ensure timely implementation of ergonomic program activities, including conducting regular site reviews, documenting and ensuring correction of any necessary actions.
• Develop, implement and sustain regular drills for standardized emergency code response.
• Responsible for developing and implementing disaster preparedness plan, training and communication. Responsible for meeting coordination, action plan and communication development, and ongoing participation of employees.
• Ensure all appropriate environmental permits are properly maintained.
• Ensure that the Company is well equipped to handle potential emergency situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 10 years of progressively responsible positions with at least 5 years senior level management and/or experience within the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
• Familiarity with hazmat handling programs, EH&S regulations, electrical, plumbing, security, HVAC, carpentry, lab utilities (gases and RO/DI), refrigeration, federal and state building codes and disaster recovery procedures.
• Strong leadership skills; ability to conceive, plan and lead the execution of projects and programs.
• Excellent organization and time management skills; responsive and good at follow-through.
• Excellent project management and budget management skills.
• Familiar with local building codes and OSHA regulations; familiar with all current health and safety regulations.
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills; ability to define problems and resolve them quickly.
• Possess a customer-oriented attitude with the ability to work effectively with all levels of employees, management and vendors.
• Ability to effectively organize, multi-task, and work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment, working independently without continuous oversight.
• Ability to supervise technical and operational staff on a day-to-day basis as well as trades contractors as needed.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills to maintain and write reports, work orders and procedures and to present information in 1:1 and small group situations to external parties, management and employees.
• Ability to communicate in a proactive and solutions-focused manner, ensuring management is kept aware of potential issues.
• Proven ability to make judgments, prioritize work, and accomplish goals.
• Facilities Certification, e.g. Facilities Management Professional (FMP) or Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) preferred.
• Possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, insurance and a good driving record.
• Must be able to read and interpret technical instruction manuals, drawings, diagrams, and blueprints of all trades.
• Experience with vendor selection and price negotiation.
• Ability to lift objects weighing at least 50 lbs.
• Valid vehicle driver’s license.

Expected Salary Range: $180,000-$210,000 (Compensation and leveling will be commensurate with experience and expertise and could fall outside of the stated range)

In addition to competitive salaries, Vicinitas offer the following:

• Annual Bonuses
• Early-stage Equity
• Four Medical Plan Options
• Dental & Vision Coverage
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Group Term Life Insurance
• FSA Plans (medical, dependent daycare and commuter accounts)
• 401k Plan
• Generous Annual Holiday Schedule
• Unlimited Flexible Time Off
• Annual Year-end Shut Down

Vicinitas provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to religion, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.