Sr. Manager, Membership Operations

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