At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the founder's right hand, managing operations and driving key projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a fast-growing defence AI company at the forefront of technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £65,000 plus share options and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to build the operational backbone of a scaling company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working closely with visionary founders.
- Qualifications: Strong educational background and operational experience, ideally in defence or technology.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Full time, 5 days a week on site in Brentford, West London.
Right hand to a founder building AI autonomy for air, ground and drone systems.
Own the operational world behind a scaling defence AI company, trials, events, clearances, partnerships, standing up HR and finance.
Genuinely varied, no two days the same, a real doer role not a process role.
Clearable to SC then DV (you do not need to be cleared already, but you must be clearable).
Salary £65,000 plus share options.
Right to work in the UK required, no sponsorship available for this role.
ABOUT THE CLIENT: We are supporting a fast-growing defence AI company building autonomy across air, ground and drone systems, machine vision, edge AI and uncrewed platforms, working with the MOD and major defence primes. They have just closed new funding and landed a significant contract, and are scaling the team quickly. This is a genuinely exciting environment, small, ambitious, technically serious, and attacking one of the most important problems in modern defence. The founders want someone alongside them who can take things off their plate and run with them.
THE ROLE: This is the founder's right hand. Not a PA, not a pure operations manager, but the person who owns the CEO's world and makes the company run day to day so the founders can focus on product and customers. You will run field trials, manage CAA and export and military clearances for drone systems, own events and conferences from DSEI to private breakfasts, drive partnerships and research, and stand up the HR and finance procedures a scaling company needs. It is broad, hands on, and high trust.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Act as the founder's right hand, owning priorities and taking work off their plate.
- Plan and run field trials, coordinating people, kit and logistics.
- Manage regulatory, export and military clearances for drone and autonomy systems.
- Own events and conferences end to end, from major industry shows to private engagements.
- Build partnerships and support research and business development.
- Stand up and run early HR, finance and operational procedures as the company scales.
- Be the person who picks things up and gets them done, whatever they are.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:
- A genuine doer, someone who goes and does the job rather than writing a plan for someone else to do it.
- Strong educational background, we are looking for genuine intellectual curiosity and sharpness.
- Operational or chief-of-staff experience, ideally from a defence, military or defence-technology environment.
- Comfortable owning ambiguity and variety in a fast-moving, high-stakes setting.
- Genuine interest in technology and the mission.
- Clearable to SC and then DV (clearable, not necessarily already cleared).
- Right to work in the UK, no sponsorship available for this role.
WHAT'S ON OFFER:
- Salary £65,000 plus share options.
- A true founding-team seat alongside the CEO of a scaling defence AI company.
- Genuinely varied, high-ownership work at the cutting edge of defence autonomy.
- The chance to build the operational backbone of a company on a steep growth curve.
- On site with the team in Brentford, West London, where the real work happens.
TO APPLY: Please apply via this advert or email directly. For further information, call 0203 763 3888 or 07704 152 638. By applying, you consent to us processing and submitting your application (subject to suitability) for this vacancy only.
Chief of Staff employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Chief of Staff at All The Top Bananas!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like All The Top Bananas or be willing to refer you for that Chief of Staff position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from All The Top Bananas who’s on the lookout for their next Chief of Staff star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Chief of Staff role at All The Top Bananas!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at All The Top Bananas. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at All The Top Bananas. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
