At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth by closing B2B2C partnerships and coordinating a dynamic team.
- Company: FuelQ, the UK's leading fuel card provider with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, performance incentives, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced startup and make a real impact in the fuel industry.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in closing deals and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Enjoy high autonomy, direct access to leadership, and excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (Mid-week London office from Q1 2026)
Salary: £50-60k + 1-2% equity + performance incentives
Reports to: CEO
About FuelQ
FuelQ is the UK's most advanced fuel card provider. We have launched a pre-paid fuel card with features no competitor offers: 1% Fuel Back rewards, up to 10% diesel savings, acceptance at 4,300+ locations, and a mobile app that transforms fuel management for businesses. We serve everyone from individuals and sole traders to established fleets, solving real cost and admin problems with proven product-market fit. Strategic partnerships with Motorsport UK, Halfords, and Charles & Dean are already delivering customer growth.
Why we exist:
Every business with vehicles wastes money and time on fuel. Poor pricing, admin burden, lack of visibility, and cash flow pressure are daily frustrations. We are fixing this with a product that genuinely works better - real savings, instant rewards, complete control, zero hassle. We win by solving real problems better than anyone else.
The Role
This is a commercial growth and execution role, not classic operations management. You will spend 50% of your time identifying and closing B2B2C partnerships that drive customer acquisition, 40% coordinating our small team and agencies to execute growth strategy, and 10% solving whatever problems need solving.
- Commercial Partnerships (50%)
- Identify and personally close B2B2C partnerships with membership organisations, fleet associations, trade bodies, and business service providers
- Negotiate commercial terms and structure mutually beneficial deals
- Build systematic partnership pipeline and playbook
- Target sectors: automotive, fleet, trades, gig economy, business services
- Growth Execution & Coordination (40%)
- Work with CFO and Head of Customer Engagement to deliver growth initiatives
- Lead recruitment of senior sales professional
- Manage agency relationships (advertising, development, email marketing) for ROI
- Build scalable processes while maintaining speed
- Own growth metrics and report progress clearly
- Hands-On Problem Solving (10%)
- Address operational issues as they arise in an early-stage business
- Fill gaps until specialist hires are made
- Do what needs doing to maintain momentum
The Person We are Looking For:
We need someone with conviction and commercial instinct. You have closed deals yourself, not just managed relationships. You have strong opinions about what works and can back them up with results. You are comfortable making decisions without perfect information and pushing back when you disagree. You thrive on autonomy and ownership; you do not need hand-holding or validation to know you are on the right track. You are resilient when things go wrong and resourceful when resources are tight. You see early-stage chaos as energising, not stressful.
Requirements
- Essential:
- Proven track record personally closing B2B2C partnerships or commercial deals (not managing partnerships, closing them yourself)
- Experience in small teams (under 20 people) executing with limited resources
- Commercial acumen: can structure deals, build financial models, make data-informed decisions
- Startup mentality: values equity upside over maximising base salary, comfortable with ambiguity
- Strong character and conviction: clear opinions, pushes back when needed, resilient under pressure
- Willing to commit to mid-week London office presence
- Desirable:
- Experience in automotive, fleet, fuel, payments, or B2B financial services
- Track record building 0→1 initiatives
- Previous pre-Series A startup experience
Our Values:
- Execution over analysis - We test and iterate rather than perfect in theory
- Authentic communication - Direct, honest, no corporate speak
- Commercial thinking - Decisions based on customer value and ROI
- Ownership - Own outcomes, no excuses or blame
- Resourcefulness - Do more with less, find creative solutions
- Customer obsession - Solve real problems better than anyone else
What We Offer
- Base salary: £50-60k depending on experience
- Equity: 1-2% EMI options (4-year vest, 1-year cliff)
- Performance incentives tied to partnership wins and revenue milestones
- Hybrid working with mid-week London presence
- Direct access to CEO and leadership decisions
- High autonomy and ownership
- Pension contribution and professional development support
How to Apply
Apply via LinkedIn with your CV (max 2 pages) and a brief note (max 300 words) covering:
- A B2B2C partnership or commercial deal you personally closed, how you identified it, negotiated it, and what results it delivered
- Why you are specifically interested in FuelQ (not generic startup enthusiasm)
Deadline: January 15th 2026
Head of Operations & Partnerships in Slough employer: FuelQ® - The Fuel Card Experts
Contact Detail:
FuelQ® - The Fuel Card Experts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations & Partnerships in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or mentors. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies of successful partnerships you've closed. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share these stories to demonstrate your commercial acumen and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you want to work for, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly, express your interest, and highlight how you can add value. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it real! During interviews, be authentic about your experiences and opinions. FuelQ values direct communication, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on what works in partnerships and why you’re excited about their mission. It’ll resonate with them!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations & Partnerships in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Specific About Your Achievements: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight specific B2B2C partnerships or deals you've closed. We want to see the nitty-gritty details of how you identified opportunities, negotiated terms, and what results you achieved. This is your chance to show us your commercial acumen!
Show Your Passion for FuelQ: In your brief note, let us know why you're genuinely interested in FuelQ. Avoid generic statements; instead, connect your experience and values with what we do. We love seeing candidates who are excited about solving real problems in the fuel industry!
Keep It Concise and Clear: Remember, your CV should be a maximum of 2 pages, and your note should be no more than 300 words. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so get straight to the point while showcasing your skills and experiences. Make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at FuelQ® - The Fuel Card Experts
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your commercial acumen. Be ready to discuss specific B2B2C partnerships you've closed, including the financial models and metrics that made them successful. FuelQ is all about solving real problems with tangible results, so showcasing your ability to drive value will impress.
✨Showcase Your Resourcefulness
FuelQ thrives on resourcefulness and creativity. Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in small teams. Highlight situations where you had to do more with less, as this aligns perfectly with their startup mentality.
✨Demonstrate Ownership
This role requires a strong sense of ownership. Be ready to discuss times when you took initiative and led projects without needing constant guidance. FuelQ values autonomy, so showing that you can drive outcomes independently will set you apart.
✨Be Authentic and Direct
Authentic communication is key at FuelQ. Practice being direct and honest in your responses during the interview. Avoid corporate jargon and instead focus on clear, straightforward language that reflects your genuine interest in the role and the company’s mission.