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.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, flexible working, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming essential industries and shaping the future.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in consulting or finance; strong strategic and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
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 have seen incredible customer traction and revenue growth. We are backed by leading VCs, including Notion Capital and Hoxton Ventures, and we are 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.
About the role
The Chief of Staff is the CEO's strategic partner and operational right hand. You will 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 prioritise 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
- Demonstrated success in fluid environments
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 in London employer: Cogna
Contact Detail:
Cogna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its challenges. Show how your skills can tackle their specific issues, especially in sectors like energy or logistics. We want to see you connect the dots!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Chief of Staff role. Highlight your strategic thinking and execution skills, and don’t forget to mention your adaptability in fluid environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission to revolutionise critical industries.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for our mission shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about tackling the challenges in physical industries and how your skills can contribute to our goals.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role of Chief of Staff. Whether it’s your background in management consulting or your knack for strategic planning, we want to see how your unique journey fits into our vision.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! When drafting your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can make an impact at Cogna.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 focus on AI-powered solutions for physical industries and how they aim to tackle inefficiencies. This knowledge will help you connect your experience to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Chief of Staff, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically while executing plans. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully driven high-impact initiatives or managed complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this experience to support Cogna's growth.
✨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 of specific instances where you've successfully managed these aspects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach them at Cogna.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills
Cogna is looking for someone who thrives in fluid environments. Share stories that highlight your adaptability and proactive problem-solving abilities. Discuss how you've navigated ambiguity in previous roles and how you can bring that flexibility to the Chief of Staff position.