Head of Operations (Future COO)

Help us build reliable partnerships and high-quality products

Let's transform healthcare

At Vitestro, we are the first to introduce autonomous blood drawing technology to European hospitals. Our team is growing rapidly. Do you have the pioneering mindset required to introduce this breakthrough innovation to patients? This is your opportunity to join us as a Head of Operations.

Who we are
At Vitestro, transforming patient care is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is simple but profound: to improve the lives of millions of patients. With a team of over 90 passionate professionals, we tackle the most complex challenges and develop cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of healthcare. Staffing shortages, an aging population, and the rise in chronic diseases are huge problems the healthcare sector is currently facing. At Vitestro, we’re on a mission to address these issues by improving patient care with our unique technology—and yes, we’re bloody serious about that! Our culture is driven by innovation, a can-do mentality, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s what sets us apart. If the thought of joining a dynamic, high-impact team excites you then we’d be thrilled to have you on board as we continue pioneering the future of healthcare.

By combining AI-powered ultrasound and precision robotics, our team has developed the world’s first autonomous blood-drawing device: Alettaᴿ. This innovation will revolutionize healthcare by enhancing efficiency and precision in patient care. As we achieved a major milestone with the launch of our device to our first customers at the end of 2024, we are looking for passionate individuals to join our team as we expand further into European and US markets in the years ahead.

About the job

As Head of Operations, you will build Vitestro’s operational foundation from the ground up and prepare the company for commercial scale-up. Your mission: build a robust, scalable production engine that can meet increasing demand while maintaining quality, efficiency, and compliance. This role is a stepping stone to our future COO. You’ll be responsible for:

Setting up and scaling core operations—covering production, supply chain, logistics, procurement, and quality—ensuring readiness for growth and regulatory compliance (FDA, CE, ISO, MDR):

• Starting from current pilot-series set-up set priorities to achieve production goals for 2026-2029
• Ensuring scalability and compliance from day one
• Designing and implementing production processes for reliable, high-quality manufacturing
• Establishing a resilient and efficient supply chain
• Building logistics and procurement systems to support growing demand
• Defining and implementing quality processes that meet regulatory requirements (FDA, CE, ISO, MDR)
• Laying the groundwork for spare parts and servicing infrastructure

Implementing scalable systems and processes, including ERP, performance tracking, workflow standardization, and automation where feasible.

Managing strategic partnerships, such as suppliers and contract manufacturers, and leading complex negotiations to secure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.

Collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, Service, Quality, and Commercial to align operations with product development, launch, and support.

Building and mentoring a high-performing team (currently 7 people), fostering a culture of ownership, efficiency, and continuous improvement as the team expands.

Job requirements

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic insight with hands-on experience. A proven operator who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and is excited to take ownership of building something from the ground up.

You bring:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in operations
• A strong background in:
  • Supply chain & manufacturing
  • Contract manufacturing and/or ODM partnerships
  • ERP implementation (preferably greenfield)
  • Quality processes in regulated environments (medical device experience is a strong plus)
• A proven track record of managing complex supplier negotiations
• Experience working in small to mid-sized companies (not just large multinationals)
• Strong communication and leadership skills to inspire, align, and execute across functions
• A master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Engineering, or Operations Management

And personally, you:

• Thrive in a scale-up setting and are fully committed
• Combine strategic vision with practical execution
• Are goal-driven, hands-on, and eager to take initiative
• Share our urgency to bring innovation to healthcare
• Are fun to work with and contribute to a positive, energetic team culture

What we offer

• Competitive salary including pension plan
• 25 days of annual leave based on a full-time position
• Hybrid work model
• Working together in a high-skilled team with our home base in Utrecht
• Frequent out-of-work activities with our team (such as our Skitestro ski-trip)
• Training budget
• Opportunity to be key shaper of a new global industry niche: autonomous medical robotics

We offer an environment where you can make a lot of impact, as you are joining a growing scale-up in MedTech. Our team of driven and talented colleagues enjoys solving the challenges in developing, manufacturing, and completing our breakthrough medical device. While working in an open culture, we strive for excellence in all domains. We believe in taking courage and like to challenge each other. We learn and teach, regardless of age, nationality or gender.

Are you excited?

We totally understand that and so are we! By joining us, you can play an active role in changing the future of health care. Excited to join our revolution? Then we’d love to hear from you!

If you think you've got what it takes, but you don't meet all the requirements - we still recommend you apply. We would love to learn about your interest and experience, and consider if you can be a good fit for Vitestro. Nobody is a perfect fit, and we welcome applications with imperfections. We offer a learning environment where we grow together!