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Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

What will set you apart * 10+ years of experience, ideally with top management consulting firm and/or business operations at a hypergrowth startup * Undergraduate degree and MBA from top-tier ...

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Operations Manager Startup information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$62.9K

$117.5K

How much do operations manager startup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations manager startup in Virginia is $62,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $76,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Operations Managers in a startup environment?

Operations Managers in startups often face rapid changes in priorities, limited resources, and the need to build processes from the ground up. You may find yourself wearing multiple hats, adapting quickly to evolving business requirements, and problem-solving on the fly. Collaboration with founders and cross-functional teams is frequent, requiring strong relationship-building and negotiation skills. Embracing uncertainty and maintaining flexibility are key to thriving in this dynamic and rewarding role.

What is an Operations Manager Startup job?

An Operations Manager in a startup oversees daily operations, ensuring efficient processes across different departments. They manage logistics, improve workflows, and implement systems to support scaling. This role requires adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration to streamline operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Operations Manager Startup position, and why are they important?

Success as an Operations Manager in a startup requires strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with productivity tools like Asana, Trello, and Google Workspace, as well as experience with ERP or CRM systems, is highly valuable. Outstanding adaptability, leadership, and communication skills help candidates excel in this fast-moving and often ambiguous environment. These abilities are vital to drive operational efficiency, coordinate across departments, and support rapid company growth.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operations Manager Startup jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Operations Manager Startup job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Manager Startup job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,912 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

CEO - Life Science Startup

Workforce Genetics

Richmond, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Pioneer Connect (hybrid/remote)


Job Description

Activation Capital launched Pioneer Connect, a program designed to unite entrepreneurs, innovators, and a pipeline of commercializable technologies to increase the portfolio of durable startup life science companies in the Richmond region. This initiative seeks to (i) accelerate startup formation and (ii) create opportunities for startups to form in Richmond, whereas they otherwise might not. Pioneer Connect is designed to achieve two outcomes:

· Optimize the commercialization of regional intellectual property (IP)

· Increase the portfolio of regional life science startups to enhance the realization of key metrics, such as job creation and capital attracted.

Pioneer Connect includes a support package for startup leaders willing to locate or start companies in the Richmond area.

This incentive is implemented as an individual/employment contract service to Activation Capital – in essence, we will engage life science leaders to start a company in the region and provide deliverables and status reports as requirements to submit invoices. This is not a grant or investment.

The contract can be terminated if the leader fails to perform.

The following represent scenarios for which we think Pioneer Connect will be implemented:

· An experienced local entrepreneur is contemplating a startup life science company, and Pioneer Connect provides resources that lower barriers to company formation

· An experienced remote entrepreneur is incentivized by Pioneer Connect to start a company in Richmond

· An academic researcher interested in starting a company needs an experienced entrepreneur or operational expert,t and Pioneer Connect facilitates this relationship

· An experienced entrepreneur wants to license university IP, and Pioneer Connect enables this to occur in Richmond

Responsibilities

The Pioneer is to serve as a key operations lead on a new startup and/or technology.

Under this agreement, the Contractor will be responsible for the following:

· A reasonable dedication of time and energy to understanding the key technology and its development

· A willingness to listen to and follow guidance from Activation Capital and its associated professionals

· Providing weekly communications on progress, including monthly reports

· A commitment to pursue grants and investment funding to sustain and advance the technology

· Participating in Activation Capital sponsored acceleration programming

During the Pioneer Connect six-month support period, the Pioneer will aim to attain the following milestones:

· Negotiate a licensing agreement for technology of interest from a federal or university lab

· Register the company in Virginia, with operations based in Richmond

· Develop a commercialization plan and go-to-market strategy

· Identify non-dilutive funding opportunities and submit at least one application

· Establish connections with potential investors to secure institutional investment for future funding rounds

Additionally, the Pioneer will assume the following responsibilities:

· Define and document milestones during the support period

· Provide monthly reports on technical and administrative progress

· Pursue grants and investment funding to sustain and advance the technology

· Provide leadership as it pertains to the development of technology, staff, and company

· Maintain presence in the Richmond region for the duration of the support period

· Work diligently to retain the company in the region long term

Required Qualifications

· Ten years of experience with business operations related to a scientific enterprise

· Profit and Loss management in a corporate environment or management consulting

· Success with dilutive/non-dilutive capital attraction

· Startup or small company experience

Preferred Qualifications

· Advanced degree in science, business, or legal

· Successful exit of a startup/small business

· Network of investor contacts