At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and automate processes in a cutting-edge robotics startup.
- Company: Join Paddington Robotics, a pioneering AI robotics company in London.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience and work directly with visionary founders.
- Other info: Flexible role with travel across the UK and early morning shifts.
- Why this job: Be the first non-engineering hire and shape the future of retail robotics.
- Qualifications: Proactive problem solver with startup experience and AI tool proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Paddington Robotics Limited is a London-based robotics startup backed by 7percent Ventures, building AI-powered robots for the unpredictable retail world. Founded by Zehan Wang (Magic Pony), they bridge the gap between research and reality by deploying autonomous systems into supermarkets to handle complex manual labor tasks alongside humans.
As the first non-engineering hire at Paddington Robotics Limited, you will serve as the "central brain" for the business. You'll partner with the founders to build operational infrastructure from scratch, automate internal processes using cutting-edge AI tools, and manage the logistics of deploying hardware to customer sites across the UK.
Location: London, UK
Why this role is remarkable:
- Join as the first non-engineering hire, working directly with founders like Zehan Wang (Magic Pony) to build a category-defining robotics company from the ground up.
- Get hands-on experience with real-world deployments in supermarkets, moving beyond simulations to solve the "messy chaos" of physical environments backed by 7percent Ventures.
- Full ownership of the operational playbook, with the mandate to use advanced AI tools like Claude and Cursor to automate every facet of the business.
What You Will Do:
- Lead strategic projects ranging from securing new factory space and robot transportation to managing inventory and supplier relationships for hardware production.
- Design and automate core business operations including finance, HR, and team scheduling to maximize engineering efficiency and save the team daily time.
- Execute on-site robot deployments at customer locations, ensuring successful integration and providing hands-on support during critical operational hours and early-morning shifts.
The ideal candidate:
- A "hyper-proactive" problem solver with experience in fast-paced environments like early-stage startups, consulting, or venture capital who can build systems from scratch.
- An AI power user proficient in leveraging tools like Claude, Cursor, or Relay to automate complex workflows and simplify technical or administrative processes.
- Highly mobile and flexible, willing to travel UK-wide and support on-site operations during early 4am shifts to ensure customer success and real-world impact.
Operations Manager / Founders Associate at Paddington Robotics Limited in London employer: Jack & Jill
At Jack & Jill, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture. Our team enjoys a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and growth. Located in a vibrant area, we offer unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to work with industry leaders in AI-driven marketing strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager / Founders Associate at Paddington Robotics Limited in London
✨Dive into Robotics Meetups
Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from Jack & Jill or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like Jack & Jill, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like Jack & Jill.
✨Engage in Online Communities
Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like Jack & Jill, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager / Founders Associate at Paddington Robotics Limited in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!
Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!
Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to Jack & Jill’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jack & Jill
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at Jack & Jill, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.
✨Bring Your Projects to Life
With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Think Like an Engineer
Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.
✨Culture Fit Is Key!
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at Jack & Jill. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.