Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer
Compensation: The initial compensation for this role will be in the form of equity and can be half time to begin with, if needed. Once the company secures equity funding, which is expected within the next 3-4 months, the candidate will be converted to full-time and receive a competitive market salary in addition to equity.
Position Summary
We are seeking a visionary and technically-savvy Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our high-growth startup. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with a true entrepreneurial spirit to drive our company's operational excellence and innovation. This role demands a leader who thrives in the dynamic, often unpredictable world of startups, and who is not risk-averse to the challenges of building a groundbreaking venture from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Execution • Partner with the CEO to shape and implement the company's vision and strategy • Translate high-level goals into actionable plans and lead their execution • Make critical decisions in a fast-paced, often ambiguous environment
2. Technical Operations & Innovation • Oversee all technical operations, including product development, IT infrastructure, and data management • Drive digital transformation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies • Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
3. Product Development & Market Fit • Guide product strategy and development in close collaboration with technical teams • Ensure product-market fit through data-driven decision making and customer feedback • Balance speed-to-market with product quality and scalability
4. Operational Efficiency & Scaling • Design and implement scalable operational processes and systems • Optimize resource allocation and drive cost-effective growth • Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks to facilitate rapid scaling
5. Team Building & Leadership • Recruit, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across technical and operational functions • Create a culture that attracts top talent and fosters engagement in a startup environment • Develop future leaders and build a robust talent pipeline
6. Financial Management & Fundraising Support • Work closely with the CEO and finance team on budgeting and financial planning • Support fundraising efforts by preparing operational data and participating in investor presentations • Ensure efficient use of capital and resources to maximize runway and growth
7. Stakeholder Management & Communication • Act as a key liaison between technical teams, business units, and external partners • Effectively communicate complex technical and business concepts to diverse audiences • Represent the company to potential clients, partners, and investors

Qualifications
Education
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
• MBA or equivalent business education is a plus, but not required

Experience
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in technology-driven organizations
• 5+ years in senior executive roles (VP-level or above) in fast-paced, high-growth startups
• Proven track record of successfully scaling technical operations from early-stage to growth-stage
• Hands-on experience in product development, preferably in our industry sector

Technical Expertise
• Deep understanding of software development lifecycles and modern engineering practices
• Expertise in cloud computing, data science, AI/ML, and other relevant emerging technologies
• Strong grasp of cybersecurity principles and best practices
• Ability to understand and contribute to technical discussions at a detailed level

Leadership & Business Skills
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities in high-uncertainty environments
• Strong financial acumen and experience with startup financials and metrics
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and influence
• Proven ability to build and lead cross-functional teams in a startup setting

Personal Attributes
• True startup mentality with high tolerance for risk, ambiguity, and rapid change
• Hands-on leader who's willing to roll up their sleeves and do whatever it takes
• Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate the ups and downs of startup life
• Passionate about technology and its potential to disrupt industries
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and bias towards action
• High ethical standards and commitment to building a responsible business

Performance Expectations
• Develop and begin implementing a comprehensive technical and operational strategy within the first 60 days
• Achieve significant improvements in key startup metrics (e.g., burn rate, customer acquisition cost, lifetime value) within the first six months
• Successfully launch and iterate on core product offerings based on market feedback and data
• Demonstrate measurable contributions to the company's growth, market position, and fundraising efforts

Compensation & Benefits
• Initial compensation package consists primarily of equity in the Company
o Substantial equity grant reflecting the senior level of the position and potential impact
o Potential for additional equity grants based on performance and value creation
• Upon successful completion of the Company's next financing round:
o Competitive market-rate base salary will be implemented
o Performance-based bonus structure tied to company and individual performance metrics
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (effective upon financing completion)
• Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time off policy
• Opportunity to be a key player in a potentially industry-disrupting startup

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our industry and make a significant impact in a high-potential startup environment. The ideal candidate will be excited by the challenges and rewards of building something extraordinary from the ground up.