Business Operations Lead

As the Business Operations Lead at Mandolin, you'll play a crucial role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives and ensuring efficient operations. You'll work closely with leadership to define project goals, conduct comprehensive data analysis, and implement scalable processes that optimize operational excellence. Additionally, your role involves collaborating across functions to enhance our customer experience and identify new revenue opportunities.

To qualify for the Business Operations Lead at Mandolin, candidates should have over 3 years of experience in business operations, strategy, or management consulting. Strong analytical skills are essential, with expertise in data modeling and visualization tools like SQL and Tableau being highly valued. Previous experience in startups or with 0-to-1 projects will definitely set you apart.

Mandolin is committed to fostering an environment where continuous learning and professional development are prioritized. As a Business Operations Lead, you'll have the opportunity to define the company's future and tackle high-stakes challenges, all while being supported by a world-class team. The collaborative and dynamic culture encourages you to bring your ideas to life, enriching your career development.

The culture at Mandolin for the Business Operations Lead is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of transforming healthcare. The team consists of passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds who thrive in a fast-paced environment. The emphasis on being in-office in San Francisco creates a vibrant atmosphere where ideas flow freely, and team members support one another in driving impactful change.

The hiring process for the Business Operations Lead at Mandolin involves an initial review of your application followed by interviews with key team members. You can expect discussions around your experience in business operations and project management, as well as your approach to collaboration and problem-solving. We aim to ensure a mutual fit, so be prepared to showcase your passion for innovation in the biotech industry.

When addressing this question, be sure to highlight a specific project, detailing your role and the challenges faced. Discuss the strategies you implemented to manage complexity, including any tools or processes used, and illustrate the positive impact your leadership had on the project's outcome.

Discuss your method for evaluating business needs and aligning them with strategic goals. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with leadership to outline project requirements and establish success metrics. Emphasize your data-driven approach and how it informs your decision-making process.

Talk about your experience with data analysis tools like Excel, SQL, or Tableau, providing examples of how they aided your analysis in past roles. Describe specific instances where data insights led to improved decision-making or operational efficiency—this showcases both your technical skills and ability to translate data into actionable strategies.

To answer effectively, outline key performance indicators (KPIs) you believe are essential for success in the role. This could include operational efficiency metrics, customer satisfaction scores, or revenue growth. Indicate how you would establish these measures and adjust strategies based on performance data.

Your response should highlight a specific scenario where collaboration was key to problem-solving. Discuss the stakeholders involved, the challenges presented, and the successful outcome achieved through teamwork. This showcases your ability to work well with diverse groups to address complex issues.

Discuss methods such as creating project timelines, using tools for task management, and prioritizing based on urgency and impact. Describe a situation where your prioritization skills were tested, and emphasize how those strategies led to delivering results effectively.

Express openness to feedback and describe your approach to integrating it into your work. Offer examples of how constructive criticism has led to improvements in your projects or professional development, showcasing your ability to adapt and grow within a team-centric environment.

Identify a challenge, such as managing changing priorities or navigating ambiguity, and discuss how you address it. Share specific strategies you employ to mitigate these challenges and maintain focus on achieving business goals, thereby demonstrating resilience and problem-solving capabilities.

Share a detailed example of a process improvement project you have led or been a part of. Discuss the steps taken, the rationale behind the improvement, and the results achieved, showcasing your analytical abilities and commitment to operational excellence.

Express genuine interest in Mandolin’s mission and culture, explaining how your skills align with their goals. Discuss your passion for the biotech field and your enthusiasm for contributing to innovative solutions that improve healthcare outcomes, reinforcing your motivation to be part of their journey.