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- Tasks: Lead operations across IT, HR, supply chain, and engineering for a cutting-edge quantum computing company.
- Company: Join OQC, a pioneering firm at the forefront of quantum computing innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for global impact and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious team shaping the future of technology and making a real-world difference.
- Qualifications: Proven executive experience in operations; international exposure is a plus.
- Other info: Spanish speakers or those with experience in Spain are highly encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Many people are talking about quantum computing. The opportunity it presents is huge, not just here at OQC but for the wider world. With so much happening - and so much potential - we’ve decided to split the duties of our COO and CFO, by adding a dedicated Chief Operating Officer to our Executive team. You’ll own everything from Program Management to Engineering Operations, from IT services to HR and from H&S to Supply Chain.
You’re already a proven senior operations executive with a track record of making things run seamlessly across these key ‘back office’ functions in a deeply scientific/technical and commercial environment. You bring international experience too, having successfully built and scaled operations globally. What sets you apart is your reputation for making support processes simple and frictionless.
As a member of our growing Executive Team - and reporting to our CEO - your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring operational functions align with business objectives, supporting and driving our growth in line with fundraising plans and international expansion.
- Driving our internal IT strategy and roadmap, delivering improvements that simplify how we work, strengthen security and optimise future investment.
- Overseeing global IT systems and infrastructure across the UK, USA, Europe and Japan, ensuring compliance, operational efficiency and robustness across our technology stack and underlying processes.
- Setting the strategic approach to supply chain and procurement including vendor selection, contract negotiation, supplier management, international shipping compliance and stock management.
- Leading the HR function at a strategic level, developing global talent strategies, performance management systems, levelling frameworks, compensation and benefits, employee relations, learning and development and policies.
- Providing strategic leadership for the deployment of our quantum hardware including overall planning, site readiness, installation, risk mitigation, quality standards, budgets and global expansion timelines.
- Agreeing and overseeing the strategy for prototyping and design services, ensuring the delivery of a robust, high-value engineering function that accelerates output and efficiency across the quantum engineering teams.
- Acting as the executive voice for Program Management, ensuring effective delivery of cross-functional and technical projects and holding teams accountable for their execution.
- Providing strategic direction for Facilities operations including office management, site maintenance, landlord relationships, physical security, H&S compliance and new locations globally.
- Implementing and maintaining internal controls to manage risk and ensure compliance with UK and international regulations, particularly around IT security, data protection and workplace standards.
- Ensuring accurate and timely reporting across operations, aligning key KPIs with business objectives and strategic goals.
You’ll be joining a C-suite team of a CEO, CTO, CSO, CFO, CLO and you. Your current team includes a Director of Engineering Operations, Heads of IT, Supply Chain, People, Facilities Manager and a temporary PMO lead.
To be successful you’ll need executive experience ideally across all those functions - both strategically and hands-on. If you’re currently a CFO or CFOO, we’d expect you to fully step away from Finance. Our first European foothold is in Spain, so if you’re a Spanish speaker or you’ve worked there that’d be a big plus.
If the scale of the opportunity and our ambition excites you, then we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Contact Detail:
OxfordQuantumCircuits Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land COO (Chief Operating Officer)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the quantum computing and operations sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with key players and learn about the latest trends, which can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific operational challenges faced by companies in the quantum computing field. Understanding these nuances will allow you to demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills effectively during conversations with our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your international experience and any previous roles where you successfully scaled operations globally. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you managed cross-functional teams and drove efficiency in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience in HR and IT strategy, be ready to share your insights on how to align these functions with business objectives. This will show us that you understand the importance of integrating support processes to enhance overall operational performance.
We think you need these skills to ace COO (Chief Operating Officer)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operations management, particularly in scientific or technical environments. Emphasise your international experience and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to streamline processes and drive efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in IT strategy, supply chain management, and HR leadership.
Highlight Relevant Skills: When detailing your skills, focus on those that are crucial for the COO role, such as strategic planning, risk management, and compliance. Mention any experience you have with quantum technology or similar complex systems, as this will set you apart.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this is an executive position, it's important to showcase your leadership experience. Provide examples of how you've led teams, managed cross-functional projects, and driven organisational change in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at OxfordQuantumCircuits
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing complex operations. Highlight specific examples where you streamlined processes or improved efficiency, especially in scientific or technical environments.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role requires a strategic mindset. Be ready to share your vision for aligning operational functions with business objectives and how you've successfully driven growth in past roles.
✨Highlight International Experience
Since the company operates globally, emphasise any international experience you have. Discuss how you've built and scaled operations in different regions, particularly if you have insights into the Spanish market.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
As a COO, you'll need to work closely with various departments. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with IT, HR, and supply chain teams to achieve common goals and ensure seamless operations.
