Chief Operations Officer

We are biosensor rapid diagnostic technology innovators!

The mission of Foothold Labs is to use data to gain a “foothold” to better health.  We believe biosensing is a powerful tool that will act as a catalyst for long term change in multiple industries.  Additionally, we believe that strategic impact can only be achieved through partnering with best-in-class organizations like the University of Kansas Bioengineering Department Bioengineering Group and the Naval Research Laboratory Biotechnology Office.

Foothold Labs is an emerging leader in the development of artificial intelligence-enabled, next-generation rapid diagnostic devices.  Our NanoRev platform uses functionalized thin-film sensors and electrochemical detection to provide rapid yet cost-effective analytical determinations for applications ranging from infectious disease detection in saliva for the healthcare sector, to quantitation of gunpowder residues for the security and defense sector. We’re on the cusp of bringing high-quality, rapid analysis at an affordable price to markets where there is a gap and a clear need. We’re looking for an experienced Chief Operations Officer to help lead the company through an upcoming intense period of growth.

Founded by a former Navy SEAL officer, Foothold Labs is driven to solve real world problems and make our technologies available to save lives.  We seek people who are inspired by the idea of delivering market leading technologies and support our mission.

As a start-up, we would like you to enjoy the success of the company which you will be helping to build through equity ownership opportunities. You will benefit from a generous company share option program, market salary and pension. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference not only to company performance, strategy, and direction but also to the worldwide technology landscape.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Foothold Labs Inc., a fast-growing biotech startup is seeking an experienced leader to be a key part of an executive team that is using technology to change the direction of an industry.
As COO, you will drive results by unleashing creativity and accountability in a performance-oriented culture among a group of diverse and talented individuals. Your experience with other fast growing technology companies will help you craft efficient and effective systems for the entire organization while taking direct responsibility for operations, business development/alliances, and vendor management. You will also successfully run day to day operations in order to allow CEO to focus on fundraising, thought leadership, and developing new innovative products.
The ideal candidate will have strong personal accountability for results, strong commitment to teamwork in support of the company’s success, adherence to ethical business practices, and comfort operating in a start-up environment with an ability to prioritize and drive actions to closure.
Responsibilities/Qualifications/Essential job Functions
Reporting to the CEO, the COO will lead all internal operations and will have the following responsibilities:
o      Drive the operational launch of the company product in relation to marketing.
o      Develop and execute an integrated go-to-market plan for the product, including feature roll-out, product positioning, and routes to market.
o      Assess market priorities and prioritize projects.
o      Deliver agreed performance within budget. Performance includes P&L, market share, and customer satisfaction targets.
o      Work with Finance to develop a pricing model that ensures P&L targets are achieved.
o      Partner with Business Development leader to establish agreed mix of pricing, marketing programs, direct sales, and channel partners.
o      Manage and direct company operations to meet budget and other financial goals.
o      Develop, establish, and direct the execution of operating policies to support overall company objectives.
o      Working in partnership with the management team and board of directors, create the strategic three-year plan and implement new processes and approaches to achieve it.
o      Lead the performance management process that measures and evaluates progress against goals.
o      Oversee all administrative functions, ensuring smooth daily operations.
o      Oversee contract negotiation and legal activities: client contracts, partnership agreements, vendor contracts, and other legal documents.
o      Manage the daily performance of the operations team. Use good meeting and project planning practices to drive focus and results.
o      Manage individual performance by establishing annual operating objectives for each employee with quarterly reviews. Also establish annual development plan for each employee and provide ongoing coaching.
o      Develop and implement a strategic plan for a rapid scaling of operational capacity through automation, process improvements or other productivity measures while maintaining high quality standards, rapid response times, high reliability, and cost-effective operations.
o      Interface with Product Engineering and IT Operations to ensure appropriate systems are in place to achieve goals.
o      Oversee the human resource function, including: Recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention, compensation and benefits administration, professional training and development.
Perform other job-related duties as required. Skills and Expertise:
·       Bachelor’s degree. An MBA or Master’s a plus, but not essential.
·       10+ years’ experience with progressive general management responsibilities in the technology (physical) product industry in a high-paced, rapid growth environment.
·       Expertise overseeing design and manufacturing support organizations.
·       Successful creation and management of sales program through a distribution network.
·       Proven P&L management track record.
·       Experience and success in preparing for and capturing venture investment.
·       Business line management experience in launching new technology products, and scaling for growth and profitability.
·       Expertise in defining and scaling operational processes, both internally and with external partners.
·       Managing multiple projects in a manner that focuses the team and drives results.
·       Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission of Foothold Labs