Newlab is recruiting a Membership Operations Manager to help operationalize and manage Newlab’s physical presence in New Orleans, beginning with a beta facility (a short-term 12–24 month space) and transitioning to the full-scale, permanent Newlab New Orleans facility.
This role blends facilities management, technical infrastructure operations, and community experience. The Membership Operations Manager will ensure that the Newlab New Orleans space, its equipment, vendors, and community, runs seamlessly, while maintaining Newlab’s high standards for functionality, safety, and member experience.
This role will be based out of Newlab New Orleans and reports to the Chief Product Officer.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Facility & Technical Infrastructure Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations of Newlab’s beta space and future permanent facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable functionality of all systems
- Lead and manage the teams responsible for maintenance and operation of specialized technical areas, including wet labs, light manufacturing, prototyping, and fabrication spaces
- Develop and implement location-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) for equipment usage, safety compliance, and maintenance
- Manage team and systems for asset and consumable inventories and track utilization across labs, shops, and pilot areas
- Support construction and commissioning of the permanent facility, working closely with internal teams, architects, and contractors
Startup & Community Operations Management
- Act as the primary operational on-the-ground point of contact for Newlab New Orleans member issues, including those that are using lab and build-out infrastructure at the Newlab facilities
- Lead and manage the community manager & associates for excellent delivery of Newlab Membership playbook including community programming, account management, and reporting
- Execute systems for member onboarding, orientation, access to facilities, equipment, and resources
- Proactively identify and address member needs related to space, infrastructure, and local member experience
- Identify opportunities for startups proactively to collaborate more broadly with the Global Newlab team, other Newlab locations and other partners and resources across the Newlab network
- Support and coordinate local implementation of changes to Newlab Membership Playbook and proactively identify & align continuous improvement to Membership Playbook
- Collaborate with global marketing, events, strategy and operations teams to implement strategic events and initiatives in New Orleans
Vendor & Service Provider Coordination
- Select, onboard, and manage vendors and contractors for cleaning, security, lab servicing, AV/IT support, facilities maintenance, and other building services
- Support the negotiation of contracts and ensure vendor performance aligns with Newlab standards and budget parameters
- Serve as the primary on-site contact for service providers, holding them accountable to Newlab standards
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to local building codes, environmental, health, and safety regulations
- Maintain compliance documentation for lab operations, hazardous materials handling, and waste management
- Conduct periodic safety audits and emergency response drills
ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS
- Operationally minded: Thrives on solving problems and ensuring systems run smoothly
- Technically fluent: Understands tools, processes, and infrastructure common in labs or pilot-scale industrial facilities
- Service-oriented: Dedicated to supporting startup success and maintaining a world-class member experience
- Collaborative: Works cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders
- Adaptive: Comfortable operating in a fast-evolving environment as the hub scales from beta to permanent space
EXPERIENCE
- 5–8+ years of experience in facilities management, operations, or technical infrastructure management, preferably in a lab, manufacturing, and/or R&D environment
- Hands-on understanding of building systems (HVAC, electrical, mechanical) and lab or workshop operations
- Strong vendor and contractor management experience
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Comfort working with startups, entrepreneurs, and technical teams
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to balance operational rigor with a community-minded approach
- Experienced people manager and team builder
- Experience supporting space openings, build-outs, or construction projects is a strong plus
- OSHA and/or lab safety certification preferred
Compensation & benefits
- $100,000- $140,000 USD base salary
- Performance bonus eligibility
- Comprehensive benefits package with no waiting period
