Chief Operating Officer

About the Company

HepQuant is a clinical laboratory start-up with headquarters in Denver and a CLIA lab in Aurora, Colorado. We have recently launched our first Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) to the US market.

HepQuant develops non-invasive, quantitative tests that measure liver health. The HepQuant DuO Test is a LDT that enables healthcare providers to manage patients with liver diseases more effectively.

It delivers information about liver cell function and portal-systemic shunting, attributes of liver disease that are associated with clinical outcomes.

Results may be used by a physician in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other tests to aid in the decision to proceed with or defer invasive procedures, to monitor treatment response, or to predict disease progression and adverse outcomes, such as ascites, encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding.

HepQuant is seeking a dynamic individual to become part of its leadership team as Chief Operations Officer. This individual will be a proactive, team-oriented leader, with medical device / biotech experience, able to thrive in a growing, entrepreneurial organization.

This position will work with the executive team members in building a world class, industry leading organization, as the company prepares for FDA approval and commercial launch of its products.

Responsibilities

This position reports to the CEO with a dotted line to the board of directors.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and tactical execution in the areas of :
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain
• Laboratory Operations
• Commercialization Strategy and Planning
• Quality and Regulatory Affairs
• Compliance
• IT Systems
• Operational Excellence / Process improvements

Year 1 Mission Critical Objectives

• Become an indispensable right hand and critical operational advisor for the CEO, President, Board, and Investors
• Develop, lead and execute operational initiatives to prepare the organization for commercial launch in Q3 2024.
• Work with the executive team in the capital raise process, participate in the company’s road shows. Meet, interact and present information effectively to potential investors
• Create, implement and roll out plans for operational processes, internal infrastructures, reporting systems and company policies all designed to foster growth, profitably and efficiencies within the company
• Develop tools and systems to provide critical operational information and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations and gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of internal and external processes
• Drive company results from both an operational and financial perspective working closely with executive team, board of directors, advisors, other key executive team members
• Provide management to staff and leadership to the organization that aligns with the company’s business plan and overall strategic vision
• Generate accurate and timely reports outlining the operational condition of the company
• Spearhead the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes
• Forge strategic partnerships and relationships with clients, vendors, partners, stakeholders and all other professional business relationships
• Motivate, encourage and foster a growth oriented, positive and encouraging work culture while keeping employees and management accountable to company policies, procedures and guidelines
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, MBA preferred
• 10+ years of corporate life science or biotechnology experience
• Start-up and commercial launch experience within biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
• Combination drug / device experience preferred
• Demonstrated and significant experience in biotechnology fundraising efforts
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to develop complex models and conduct analysis that identify critical trends, support strategic decision making and create forward visibility
• Ability to analyze and synthesize large amounts of data to identify and present meaningful observations and recommendations
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and quality rules, internal controls, and compliance
• International experience a plus
• Advanced skill level with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• Relocation to Denver-metro area required
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Key Attributes

• A natural leader with contagious high-energy & enthusiasm
• Passion for guiding others to learn, grow and reach greater levels of success.
• Ability to think strategically and bring a high level of creativity to the organization and ability to translate strategies into executable tactical action plans.
• Extensive network of relationships within the diagnostic industry.
• Outstanding communicator, negotiator, and presenter
• A team builder, leading by example to motivate and engage.
• Hands-on, roll-up-your sleeves do-er and multi-tasker who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds (lifting boxes, files, etc.) Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color differentiation, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear.

FSLA : Salaried Exempt

Location : Denver, CO- onsite preferred, but hybrid / remote will be considered for the right candidate

Travel : Position will require approximately 5-10% travel via airplane, car, and overnight stays.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability and AD&D, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing program.

Apply

Send Your Resume & Cover Letter to [email protected]. No phone calls, please. Note : no third-party recruiters will be enlisted for this search.

HepQuant is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

HepQuant complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

All applicants must have authorization to work for HepQuant in the U.S.