At a Glance
- Tasks: Maximise CEO effectiveness and drive delivery discipline across AALTO.
- Company: Join AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace and innovative aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working, fantastic bonus scheme, and competitive pension plan.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and travel.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating a new domain in aerospace.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in executive support roles.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar‑powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr. Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time, with a current flight‑time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct‑to‑device connectivity and high‑resolution Earth observation. AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low‑Earth orbit, Stratospace, where high‑altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters, and connect unconnected communities. Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly‑skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.
Purpose
The Chief of Staff (CoS) to the CEO is an execution‑focused role designed to maximise CEO effectiveness and drive delivery discipline across AALTO. This role will operate as the central coordination point of the Executive Committee (ExCom), ensuring priorities are translated into clear actions, tracked rigorously, and delivered at pace. The role is suited to a high‑potential, analytically strong leader with the ability to operate across multiple functions and influence senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Own ExCom operating cadence: agenda setting, decision tracking, follow‑up, and meeting effectiveness.
- Work closely with Corporate Affairs and Communications on CEO Communications and shareholders engagement.
- Track delivery against critical business KPIs (e.g. stratospheric insertion reliability, MET readiness, MVS milestones, commercial traction) - Lead and steer the monthly ExCom KPI Cockpit.
- Act as the primary coordination interface between CEO and all functions, ensuring alignment and rapid escalation of issues.
- Support CEO in preparing presentation, external engagement, Board materials, shareholder communications, and funding discussions (with CFO).
- Drive selected cross‑functional strategic projects sponsored by the CEO (e.g. operational improvement initiatives, corporate initiatives).
- Establish simple, transparent performance dashboards to enable data‑driven decision‑making.
- Ensure organisational focus on top priorities and prevent dilution of effort across teams.
- This position will require flexibility and frequent travels to support CEO engagements.
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- High learning agility and ability to operate in ambiguity.
- Excellent organisational and coordination capabilities.
- Credibility with senior stakeholders and C‑suite.
- Clear and structured communication.
- Execution mindset with attention to detail.
- Experience of Chief of Staff or Business executive assistant will be highly regarded.
Success Measures
- Improved ExCom effectiveness and decision velocity.
- Clear visibility and tracking of key business KPIs.
- Accelerated progress on priority initiatives.
- Reduced organisational friction and faster escalation of issues.
Benefits
At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well‑being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enables you to achieve a healthy work‑life balance. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.
Equal Opportunity Employer
AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Location: Farnborough Department: CEO Office
Chief of Staff to CEO in Farnborough employer: AALTO HAPS
AALTO is an exceptional employer located in Farnborough, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, a rewarding bonus scheme, and a competitive pension plan, AALTO fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration among its highly-skilled team. Join us to be part of a pioneering aerospace company that not only values your contributions but also supports your personal and financial stability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff to CEO in Farnborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AALTO on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Chief of Staff role. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding AALTO's mission and values. Dive deep into their projects, especially Zephyr. Show us how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to unlocking Stratospace.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Chief of Staff, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch and ensure you come across as confident and articulate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in being part of Team AALTO. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff to CEO in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief of Staff role. Highlight your analytical skills and experience in coordinating across functions, as these are key for us at AALTO.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication with senior stakeholders, demonstrate your clear and structured communication style in your application. Use examples that reflect your ability to engage effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got experience as a Chief of Staff or in a business executive assistant role, make it shine! We want to see how your past roles have prepared you for the challenges at AALTO.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at AALTO HAPS
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into AALTO's mission and the specifics of the Chief of Staff role. Understand how Zephyr operates and its impact on Stratospace. This knowledge will help you connect your skills to their needs and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully tackled complex problems or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to track KPIs and drive strategic projects at AALTO.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key for a Chief of Staff. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation to demonstrate your ability to convey information in a structured manner, especially since you'll be supporting the CEO with communications.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
This role involves frequent travel and adaptability. During the interview, express your willingness to embrace change and handle ambiguity. Share examples of how you've thrived in dynamic environments, which will reassure them that you're the right fit for their fast-paced culture.
