Flagship Pioneering

Operating Principal, Origination (Director or Senior Director level equivalent)

Flagship Pioneering$220K — $269K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in biotech, pharma, or life sciences strategy/operations/program management
  • Prior management consulting experience is a plus
  • Proven leadership success in strategic, operational, or corporate development, preferably in early-stage biotech
  • Strong scientific acumen with the ability to translate novel science into actionable plans
  • Track record of building and motivating high-performing teams
  • Excellent communication skills to influence and inspire stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategy and operational planning for one or more NewCos.
  • Drive corporate development initiatives including partnerships and engagements with key stakeholders.
  • Align technical progress with operational goals by working closely with scientists and company leaders.
  • Recruit and develop high-performing teams across various functions.
  • Collaborate with central teams to implement best-in-class operational infrastructure.
  • Shape and execute long-term plans, ensuring timely accomplishment of milestones.
  • Establish and nurture relationships with investors, partners, and thought leaders.

Benefits

  • Healthcare coverage
  • Annual incentive program
  • Retirement benefits
  • Broad range of additional benefits.
Full Job Description
THE ROLE

We are seeking an Operating Principal to help launch and scale our NewCos. You will work across one or more companies, leading operations and strategy, driving corporate development, and partnering closely with scientific leadership to translate breakthrough ideas into impact.

This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial leader who thrives in ambiguity, moves seamlessly between science and business, and is energized by building organizations from inception to growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead strategy and operational planning in one or more NewCos.
  • Drive corporate development initiatives, including partnerships, financings, and strategic alliances, as well as engagement with Board of Directors and other important stakeholders
  • Engage directly with scientists and company leaders to align technical progress with operational goals.
  • Recruit, develop, and manage high-performing teams across functions.
  • Partner with Flagship central teams (Finance, Talent, Legal/IP, HR) to bring best-in-class infrastructure to each company.
  • Shape and execute operating and long-range plans, ensuring milestones are achieved on time and on budget.
  • Build strong external relationships with investors, partners, and key opinion leaders.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Who you are: You are a dynamic operator and strategist who combines business leadership with scientific fluency. You thrive in fast-moving, entrepreneurial environments and are motivated by building organizations that harness novel science.

Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in biotech, pharma, or life sciences strategy/operations/program management
  • Prior management consulting a plus.
  • Proven success in strategic, operational, or corporate development leadership, ideally in early-stage biotech.
  • Strong scientific acumen; able to quickly grasp novel science and translate it into plans and execution.
  • Track record of building and motivating high-performing teams.
  • Skilled communicator, able to influence and inspire across investors, partners, and internal teams.
  • Expert problem solver; can bring order to chaos and iterate quickly to find solutions
  • Entrepreneurial, resilient, and hands-on; able to adapt and execute with urgency; doesn't mind rolling up sleeves and doing what needs to be done to move the ball forward

How You Lead: You set a high bar for yourself and others, balancing precision with agility. You are curious, feedback-driven, and focused on constantly learning how to be the best version of yourself. You face challenges with grit and enthusiasm, while fostering collaboration, shared ownership, and pride in collective achievements.

EDUCATION
  • Advanced degree in life sciences or business preferred (PhD, MD, MBA, or equivalent experience).

LOCATION: Cambridge, MA

#LI-TD1

The salary range for this role is $220,000 - $269,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Flagship Pioneering currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Flagship Pioneering's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering is a life sciences innovation enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and develops first-in-category life sciences companies. The firm operates through its Flagship Labs unit, which is a dedicated innovation foundry that invents and launches transformative companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 scientific ventures, resulting in over $34 billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. The firm's portfolio includes companies in the fields of therapeutics, health technologies, and sustainability. Flagship Pioneering was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Learn more about Flagship Pioneering
Size
500 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Flagship Pioneering

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Operating Principal, Origination (Director or Senior Director level equivalent) jobs: