Chief Operating Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Overseeing the operational implementation of Loyal's inaugural commercial launch in 2027, collaborating with teams in Commercial, CMC/Supply Chain, Veterinary Medicine, and Creative to ensure a commercially successful launch and establish a beloved brand.

• Directing Finance, People, Program Leadership, Commercial, Customer Service, and both Commercial and Internal/Platform Engineering. You will manage the leaders of each function and develop the organizations where necessary.

• Scaling the workforce from approximately 70 to 150 employees by leveraging AI for efficiency, with growth contingent on commercial milestones rather than arbitrary increases. Implementing AI tools across operations, finance, recruiting, and customer service to enhance team leverage.

• Refining and managing the operational cadence of the company, including the goals system, weekly and monthly business reviews, and board preparation processes.

• Managing the interface between commercial demand and technical supply by overseeing the S&OP cadence with the CTOO, ensuring the CEO is not burdened with daily operational decisions.

• Leading the development of a product distribution platform for a complex and regulated process (prescription drug distribution) in partnership with engineering and commercial leadership.

• Establishing a scalable customer service organization that aligns with the launch and develops a pharmaceutical brand that customers truly appreciate.

• Serving as the organization's problem solver by proactively identifying and addressing operational challenges across functions before they become obstacles.

• Allowing the CEO to dedicate approximately 80% of her time to external engagements (board, investors, partnerships, scientific narrative, brand) by the launch date.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 10 years of operational experience at high-growth startups, where you have directly developed and scaled operations during pivotal moments, including at least one company within the 50–300 headcount range.

• Experience in both startup and scaling environments. You have built initial systems from the ground up and evolved them through multiple iterations — not purely startup or large corporation experience.

• Technical credibility. You have led engineering, data, or other technical areas without being a personal expert in them. You can clearly explain complex concepts and maintain credibility in technical discussions. A background in biology is not mandatory, but you should be eager to develop a basic understanding of bio and drug development.

• Commercially savvy. You will supervise our current Commercial executive and assist in building the team around them. While a career in commercial roles is not essential, you must be able to competently challenge and guide commercial leadership. You should possess discernment in taste or be self-aware if lacking, and be capable of hiring to complement that.

• First-principles thinker. You quickly identify the fundamental questions in areas you are not yet fully acquainted with.

• Low ego, high confidence, and high integrity. You set aside your ego to realize the founder's vision and have the courage to push back when you believe she is mistaken.

• AI-savvy operator. You currently utilize AI tools in your workflow and have insights on how to implement them across the organization for compounded effectiveness.

• Concise and high-information-density communicator. You excel in writing and prefer asynchronous written briefs over meetings.

• Strong manager and developer of talent. You establish clear expectations, hold team members accountable, and ensure your direct reports see measurable improvements in their performance within months. You provide direct feedback promptly and have a low tolerance for mediocre performance in yourself and your team. You are not corporate in your approach.

• High agency and exceptional follow-through. You manage numerous diverse tasks simultaneously, ensuring nothing is overlooked. You create systems and processes that endure beyond your involvement. You work diligently.

• Mission-driven. Whether it involves dogs, longevity, building a pharmaceutical company focused on aging, or creating a consumer pharmaceutical brand that people love — this mission resonates with you for reasons that predate this job opportunity.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage — medical, dental, and vision — for you and your dependents.

• $1,000 stipend for home office equipment.

• $1,200 annual learning budget for books, courses, etc.

• $250 monthly wellness budget for gym memberships, cleaning services, spa treatments, food, etc.

• All 3-day weekends are extended to 4-day weekends.

• Unlimited vacation and paid holidays.

• Paw-ternity leave — take a day off to welcome a new dog into your family.

• Competitive salary.

• Company equity options grant for new hires.