At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO and executive team in strategy, operations, and cross-functional projects.
- Company: Join a high-growth AI startup backed by top investors like a16z and Y Combinator.
- Benefits: Ownership culture, competitive salary, and the chance to work with A-players.
- Other info: Embrace first-principles thinking and help shape the future of AI.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment where innovation is key.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in management consulting, startup operations, or similar roles.
About HappyRobot
HappyRobot is the infrastructure for enterprises to build and orchestrate AI workforces. Our AI workers don't just communicate - they make decisions, take action, and run operations autonomously across voice, email, and enterprise systems. Born in Y Combinator (S23) and backed by a16z and Base10 with over $60M raised, we power critical operations for global enterprises worldwide. Our platform is battle-tested in the most demanding environments - where AI has real consequences. We started in logistics, built our own voice stack, models, and orchestration layer from the ground up, and are now bringing that infrastructure to every enterprise that runs the real economy.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Chief of Staff to act as a force multiplier for the COO and executive team, you will sit at the intersection of Strategy, Operations, Go-To-Market, and People. This is a role for a high output generalist who moves fluidly between big picture strategy and in-the-weeds execution. You are the connective tissue that keeps the leadership team aligned, the company's priorities on track, and the operating cadence sharp as HappyRobot scales.
Key Responsibilities
- The Bridge to Leadership: act as a direct partner to the COO and executive team, translating strategic priorities into clear plans and following through until they land.
- Operating Rhythm: design and run the company's leadership meetings, all-hands, and quarterly planning cycles, and continuously improve the systems that keep the company aligned.
- Cross Functional Execution: lead special projects that span Product, Go-To-Market, and Operations, owning outcomes from scoping through completion.
- Board and Investor Materials: prepare board decks, investor updates, and executive communications with clarity and precision.
- Metrics and Accountability: define and track company-wide OKRs with the COO and executive team, and use data to surface where the company is off track.
- Organizational Gaps: identify where structure or process is missing across the company and build what is needed to close the gap.
Who You Are
- A trusted operator who earns credibility with executives and individual contributors alike.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and energized by building structure where none exists.
- Someone who treats every project, no matter how small, as a reflection of their standards.
- Low ego, high ownership, and willing to do whatever the company needs, even when it is not your job.
Requirements
- 4+ years of experience in a high ownership role such as management consulting, investment banking, startup operations, or a prior Chief of Staff position.
- Strong analytical and technical aptitude, with the ability to work with data to inform decisions.
- Experience working in a multi stakeholder environment, interfacing between executives, Engineering, and Commercial or Field teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for executive and board level audiences.
- Ability to balance big picture strategic work with in the weeds execution.
- Experience at an early or growth stage startup is strongly preferred.
Why join us?
- Opportunity to work at a high-growth AI startup, backed by top investors.
- Rapidly growing and backed by top investors including a16z, Y Combinator, and Base10.
- Ownership 'exceptional performance is the passing grade.'
- Ability trumps seniority. We believe the best teams are built on talent density — every hire should raise the bar.
- We reward contribution, not titles or tenure. We give ownership to those who earn it, and we all hold each other to a high standard.
- A-players want to work with other A-players — that's how we win.
- First-Principles Thinking: Strip a problem to physics-level facts, ignore industry dogma, rebuild the solution from scratch. We don't copy-paste solutions. We go back to basics, ask why things are the way they are, and rebuild from the ground up if needed. This mindset pushes us to innovate, challenge stale assumptions, and move faster than incumbents. It's how we build what others think is impossible.
The personal data provided in your application and during the selection process will be processed by Happyrobot, Inc., acting as Data Controller. By sending us your CV, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of evaluating and selecting you as a candidate for the position. Your personal data will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the recruitment process of the selected job offer. In relation to the period of conservation of your personal data, these will be eliminated after three months of inactivity in compliance with the GDPR and legislation on the protection of personal data. If you wish to exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability or opposition in relation to your personal data, you can do so through security@happyrobot.ai subject to the GDPR. For more information, visit https://www.happyrobot.ai/privacy-policy. By submitting your request, you confirm that you have read and understood this clause and that you agree to the processing of your personal data as described.
Chief of Staff - Europe employer: HappyRobot
HappyRobot is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where analytical minds thrive in shaping complex enterprise deals. Located in a vibrant environment, we offer competitive benefits, continuous professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions in the commercial strategy landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff - Europe
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff - Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to HappyRobot.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of HappyRobot. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at HappyRobot
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with HappyRobot, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at HappyRobot, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for HappyRobot could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at HappyRobot as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
