At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic initiatives and support the CEO in high-impact projects.
- Company: Join a fast-growing tech company revolutionising critical industries with AI-powered solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 25 days leave, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming essential industries while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in consulting or finance, with strong communication and project management skills.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and regular social events to foster team spirit.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We live in a world that runs on physical industries like energy, logistics, and manufacturing. These sectors are essential to our economy and daily lives, yet they are held back by inefficiencies, fragile legacy systems, and decades-old ways of working. This is not just a business problem; it is a societal one. When grids fail, supply chains stall, or factories falter, entire economies are disrupted.
These companies face unique, complex challenges that typical software was never designed to solve. Cogna was founded to change this. Our mission is to give critical industries their own AI-powered Software Factory: a way to build and deploy bespoke digital tools that solve pressing operational challenges. Since our launch in May 2023, we’ve seen incredible customer traction and revenue growth. We’re backed by leading VCs, including Notion Capital and Hoxton Ventures, and we’re building a world-class team to take on one of the most important challenges of our time.
Tackling challenges at this scale takes people who are curious, adaptable, and motivated by impact. If our mission resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t match every requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the industries and societies we serve.
The Chief of Staff is the CEO's strategic partner and operational right hand. You’ll operate at the intersection of strategy and execution, driving high-impact initiatives across the company. This role requires someone who can think strategically while executing tactically—moving fluidly between investor relations, executive hiring, strategic planning, and cross-functional coordination.
What you’ll do:
- Investor Relations & Fundraising: Draft board reports and investor updates, coordinate data room access and due diligence responses, track relationship pipeline and prioritize strategic engagements.
- Executive Hiring & Talent: Drive executive search processes, manage candidate pipelines and interview coordination.
- Strategic Planning & Operations: Run quarterly planning processes and leadership meetings, synthesize strategic updates for the executive team, drive cross-functional projects that don’t fit one department.
- Sales & Customer Engagement: Prepare CEO for high-value prospect meetings and strategic customer engagements, synthesize account intelligence and stakeholder maps for critical deals, support CEO participation in executive business reviews and key renewals.
- PR & Communications: Maintain PR calendar and draft press releases, develop CEO thought leadership strategy with focus on LinkedIn presence, coordinate with PR agencies and track media coverage.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience and background: 6+ years in management consulting, private equity, venture capital, investment banking, or prior Chief of Staff roles. Specific experience with due diligence processes, executive search, board-level communications, or fundraising coordination. B2B SaaS or high-growth technology company experience is a plus.
- Skills: Strategic thinking with exceptional execution ability, elite written and verbal communication, strong project management across multiple priorities, ability to influence without authority.
- Traits: High agency and proactive problem-solving, low ego, comfortable operating behind the scenes, adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity, data-driven decision making.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary and share option plan.
- 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
- Excellent pension scheme, fixed at 7.5%.
- Private healthcare, including family cover and pre-existing conditions.
- Flexible hybrid working with 2 days per fortnight in our Farringdon office.
- Regular social events and offsites.
- Access to a gym and fitness classes in our office building.
Chief of Staff employer: Cogna
Contact Detail:
Cogna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at companies you admire. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its challenges. Show them you understand their mission and how you can help tackle those complex issues. Tailor your answers to reflect their needs and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings—be proactive! If you see a company you love, reach out directly. Express your interest and share how your skills align with their goals. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note that highlights key points from your conversation. This shows your enthusiasm and keeps you top of mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Thinking: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how you can connect the dots between high-level strategy and day-to-day execution. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively.
Tailor Your Communication Style: Your written application should reflect the elite communication skills we’re looking for. Keep it clear, concise, and professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Remember, we value authenticity just as much as polished prose!
Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills: We love candidates who can juggle multiple priorities effectively. In your application, share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed projects or initiatives. This will show us that you can handle the dynamic environment we operate in.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our mission and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cogna
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Cogna's mission and values. Understand their approach to tackling inefficiencies in physical industries and how they leverage AI. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Chief of Staff, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically while executing tactically. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed cross-functional projects or driven high-impact initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills at Cogna.
✨Prepare for Investor Relations Questions
Given the role's focus on investor relations and fundraising, brush up on your knowledge of due diligence processes and board-level communications. Think about how you would draft reports or updates for investors and be prepared to discuss your experience in this area.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Cogna is looking for someone who thrives in fluid environments. Be ready to share instances where you've had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or solve complex problems without clear authority. Highlight your proactive approach and how it has led to successful outcomes.