At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational delivery and spearhead international expansion for a fast-scaling sports-tech startup.
- Company: Join a dynamic Series B tech startup transforming sports monetisation through innovative gamification.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, extensive bonuses, equity options, and international travel opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be a key player in scaling a business towards a £100m+ valuation while shaping the future of sports engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in scaling tech platforms, ideally in gamification or sports, with strong operational leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 125000 € per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join one of the fastest-scaling sports-tech businesses at a genuinely formative stage. This consumer-facing gamification platform is transforming how sports clubs monetise their courses and engage players. With a zero-cost, zero-barrier model, the platform delivers immediate revenue uplift and enhanced player experience through a seamless, technology-enabled solution.
The business has:
- Completed two funding rounds, both heavily oversubscribed
- A third round imminent, already oversubscribed by existing investors valuing the business at £40m after less than 12 months
- Scaling to 250+ live locations across 4 continents by the end of this year with a live pipeline already at over 600 locations
- A clear path toward a £100m+ valuation in the short to medium term.
The core commercial models are highly attractive netting over £100,000 revenue per location for the business, fully self-operating, with minimal installation and operational friction and no meaningful direct competition in the category. With further tech platform launches planned over the next 12 months, the business is evolving from a single product into a global platform opportunity.
A critical aspect of this plan is to recruit a Chief Operating Officer, to act as a key voice on the board, tasked with assuming all responsibility for operational delivery, not least of which being spearheading the international expansion. International expansion is already underway, the priority and key focus for this role is building the structure to scale this globally at pace, without loss of control or consistency.
The COO will have come from a tech/platform background, ideally gamification, they will most certainly have had early-stage entrepreneurial exposure, led the development and scaling of a high-growth business internationally. As an individual with a passion for business, and ideally sport, the COO will help design and lead the delivery of the strategic roadmap for the business, ensuring it is delivered in full. You will leverage resources across the business to ensure proper deployment of projects and build key international relationships that are critical to the success of the strategy, and its component parts.
This is a true Chief Operating Officer role, working very closely with and reporting to the joint-founder/CEO and working as a key member of the board, playing a key role in ensuring ambitions are met over the next few years.
Core Objectives
- Building the operational and commercial engine that transforms a high-growth concept into a scalable, international business model.
They will take full ownership of operations, with a particular focus on:
- International scaling
- Operational repeatability
- Commercial model optimisation
- Cross-functional execution
Key Responsibilities
- Build a Scalable Operating Model
- International Expansion Leadership
- Unit Economics & Commercial Model Ownership
- Deployment & Onboarding Engine
- Product–Commercial Integration
- Data, Insight & Performance Visibility
- Organisational Build & Execution Rhythm
- Founder Leverage & Strategic Execution
What Success Looks Like (12–18 months)
- Seamless expansion across multiple international markets
- Scalable operating model able to support 1,000+ locations
- Clear, optimised unit economics
- New product lines successfully launched
- Business on trajectory toward £100m+ valuation
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidates will have prior experience leading operations and international expansion for a tech-led/platform-led consumer business, ideally within a gamification and/or sporting environment. You will possess the demonstrable ability to lead the large operational projects/functions across a rapidly growing global marketplace, successfully scaling, developing, innovating as you go along, translating rapidly evolving technological and digital capabilities into innovative solutions and commercial success.
You will be able to demonstrate a successful track record of business growth and designing innovative initiatives and solutions, whilst remaining a broad operational leader and influencer. As a strong team player, you will be adept at leading from the front and being hands-on when necessary as you drive global teams and get behind the multiple business functions and locations. With such a fast-paced, lithe consumer-focused tech business, you will be highly adaptable, agile, and simply love working in a high-profile, dynamic business, constantly driving new innovations and commercial success.
Experience
- Proven experience scaling a B2C platform or gamification business internationally
- Track record of taking a business from early-stage to scaled operation
- Experience in international expansion
- Strong understanding of unit economics and growth models
- Background spanning operations, commercial and product environments
Capabilities
- Ability to operate at pace and under ambiguity
- Strong commercial instinct combined with operational rigour
- Data-driven decision maker with a pragmatic approach
- Experience building scalable systems without over-engineering
Personal Attributes
- High energy, highly driven, and naturally curious
- Comfortable challenging and being challenged
- Direct, decisive, and execution-focused
- Low ego, high accountability
- Thrives in fast-growth, founder-led environments
This is a high-velocity environment — decisions are made quickly, and execution is expected to match.
Why This Role
This is a genuine opportunity to:
- Join a business with exceptional early traction and investor backing
- Operate at the intersection of sport, technology and consumer engagement
- Play a defining role in scaling a business toward £100m+ valuation and beyond
- Work alongside an experienced and highly commercial founding team
- Build the operational backbone of a category-defining platform
Summary
The architect of scale. The person who ensures rapid growth becomes a globally scalable business, not uncontrolled momentum.
Chief Operating Officer in Cheshire employer: GARY CHAPLIN LTD
Join a dynamic and innovative sports-tech startup that is redefining the industry with its gamification platform. As a Chief Operating Officer, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment that values entrepreneurial spirit, offering extensive growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture. With competitive compensation, equity options, and the chance to lead international expansion, this role is perfect for those passionate about technology and sports, eager to make a significant impact on a rapidly scaling business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Cheshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that COO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn by sharing insights about operational scaling and international expansion. This will position you as a thought leader in the tech and sports space.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out to companies directly. Express your interest in their mission and how you can help them scale. We love seeing candidates take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to streamline your application process. We’re here to help you find the right fit and make your job search easier.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for sports and tech. Show us why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in scaling businesses and international expansion. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so connect your past achievements to what we’re doing at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Impact:Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven growth and operational success in previous roles. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your achievements, even better! This helps us see the value you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you get all the latest updates from us. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GARY CHAPLIN LTD
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understand their gamification platform and how it transforms sports clubs. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your International Experience
Since the role focuses on international expansion, be ready to discuss your past experiences in scaling operations globally. Prepare specific examples of how you've navigated different markets and built relationships that contributed to successful expansions.
✨Highlight Your Data-Driven Approach
The company values data-driven decision-making, so come prepared with examples of how you've used data to optimise operations or improve unit economics. Discuss any KPIs you've implemented and how they influenced your strategic decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As a COO, you'll need to lead cross-functional teams effectively. Be ready to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in fast-paced environments. Show them you're hands-on and can drive results while empowering your team.
