Director, Site Operations & Strategic Execution

Denali Therapeutics is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, a field recognized as one of the most significant medical challenges of our time. Founded on a foundation of collaboration among leading scientists, industry experts, and visionary investors, Denali is deeply committed to degeneration biology and translational medicine principles. This commitment drives the company’s mission of delivering effective and meaningful treatments to patients suffering from debilitating neurological conditions. Denali’s innovative approach integrates cutting-edge scientific discovery with the practical application of translational medicine, ensuring that promising research can be efficiently transformed into viable therapeutic solutions.

The Salt Lake City (SLC) site plays a vital role within Denali’s broader strategy, supporting the company’s manufacturing and commercialization ambitions. This site is an essential hub for delivering reliable, scalable, and inspection-ready operations across both development and commercial programs. As Denali advances into late-stage clinical development and prepares for commercial launch, the importance of operational excellence and strategic alignment at this location continues to grow exponentially. The Director, Site Operations & Strategic Execution, is a senior leadership role tailored to meet the demanding needs of this evolving environment.

This position requires an experienced and highly collaborative operational leader who will drive the site operating model, ensuring clear governance, performance management, and disciplined execution of strategic initiatives. The Director will spearhead operational readiness activities, manage governance processes, and align cross-functional priorities to optimize organizational scalability and execution effectiveness. Partnering closely with Site Leadership, Technical Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, MSAT, and Program Leadership teams, the role embodies a critical nexus for decision-making and resource prioritization within the SLC organization.

Key responsibilities include establishing and sustaining the operating system framework to promote governance, operational metrics tracking, and enhanced visibility into performance and risks. Additionally, the Director will lead continuous improvements and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening operational readiness, agility, and long-term growth capabilities. This role demands a balance of strategic vision and hands-on operational management within a fast-paced, dynamic, and regulated biotechnology environment.

Candidates for this position typically possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline, complemented by over 10 years of experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, technical operations, supply chain, or operational leadership. An advanced degree is preferred. Demonstrated expertise in managing complex cross-functional initiatives within GMP-regulated environments is essential. The ideal leader will have a robust understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations, commercialization readiness, late-stage development activities, and the ability to develop or manage governance models and performance systems.

Proven leadership capability in fast-paced organizations, exceptional communication skills, strategic operational problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to influence stakeholders without direct authority are critical for success in this role. Experience with operational metrics, dashboards, manufacturing readiness, and operational scale-up activities will further enhance the candidate’s effectiveness. Denali also values individuals who exhibit strong collaboration, organizational agility, and dedication to continuous improvement.

Denali Therapeutics offers a competitive total rewards package, including a 401k plan, comprehensive healthcare coverage, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and a broad array of other benefits. The company is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring an equitable and supportive work environment for all employees. Denali is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, embracing candidates from diverse backgrounds and protecting against discrimination of any kind.

Join Denali to be part of a visionary team that is transforming scientific breakthroughs into life-changing therapies. As a strategic leader at the Salt Lake City site, you will play a key role in scaling Denali’s capabilities and influencing the future of neurodegenerative disease treatment.