Business Operations Associate

Business Operations Associate

Full-Time 60000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support finance and operations projects, driving key initiatives and tackling diverse challenges.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing AI startup backed by top VCs, transforming enterprise data accuracy.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, generous holiday, remote work options, and team events.
  • Other info: Dynamic role perfect for adaptable generalists who thrive in fast-paced environments.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of business operations and finance.
  • Qualifications: 2-4 years in consulting or startups, strong financial acumen, and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.

About Kernel Enterprise AI only works when the underlying data is accurate — but most CRMs are filled with duplicates, broken hierarchies, and outdated information that undermine forecasting, territory planning, and AI deployments. We’ve raised a $14M Series A from top VCs and operators at Plaid, OpenAI, Slack and others to solve this with Agentic Company Data — the AI-native alternative to Dun & Bradstreet. RevOps teams at Gong, Navan, Mistral, AlphaSense, and Zip use Kernel to eliminate duplicates, fix hierarchies, and deliver the accuracy they need to operate with confidence. What a RevOps expert can do manually for a single record, Kernel can do safely at scale for an entire CRM. Our platform gives teams confidence in the data foundation that powers enterprise decision‑making and AI.

The Role

We’re looking for a Business Operations Associate who thrives at the intersection of finance and execution. This is a high‑impact, project‑based role where you’ll act as a force multiplier for our Head of Finance & Operations - tackling diverse challenges from financial modeling and GTM hiring to operational systems and key initiatives. You’ll be part chief of staff, part operator, part problem‑solver. You’ll drive critical finance and operations projects that shape how we grow. This role is perfect for generalists who are intellectually curious, commercially minded, and energized by variety. You’ll need to be comfortable with ambiguity, quick to learn new domains, and able to deliver results across finance, operations, and hiring. We’re looking for A‑star players with a get‑it‑done attitude - “you’re a top performer who is willing to take out the trash”.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Act as a force multiplier for the Head of Finance & Operations, supporting key initiatives end‑to‑end
  • Lead financial planning and analysis - including forecasting, budgeting, unit economics, KPI dashboards, and cross‑functional planning cycles
  • Partner with Product, Engineering, and Revenue teams on cross‑functional initiatives related to LLM spend and pipeline generation
  • Drive diverse operational projects - from compliance and office leases to compensation design and software contract optimization
  • Support GTM recruitment and hiring operations end‑to‑end (in partnership with the Talent Lead and hiring managers), including sourcing, calibration, and closing offers

What You Bring

  • 2-4 years of experience in consulting, investment banking, or a high‑performing startup environment
  • Strong financial acumen - comfort with financial modeling, data analysis, and quantitative problem‑solving
  • Highly numerate and analytical; proficient in Excel/Google Sheets and comfortable learning new tools (Salesforce, Notion, data visualization platforms)
  • Proven ability to manage ambiguous, cross‑functional projects from start to finish
  • Excellent written and verbal communication - you can distill complexity into clear, actionable insights
  • Intellectually curious, self‑directed, and comfortable working independently with minimal oversight

It is a plus if you also have:

  • Experience in GTM operations, sales operations, or revenue operations at a B2B SaaS company
  • Previous involvement in hiring or talent acquisition (especially for GTM roles)
  • Exposure to early‑stage or high‑growth startups; comfort with rapid iteration and changing priorities

This role may not be for you if you:

  • Prefer deep specialization over breadth - this role requires switching contexts frequently between finance, hiring, operations, and strategy
  • Prefer steady‑state work over project‑based sprints - priorities shift as the business evolves and new challenges emerge

This role is definitely not for you if you:

  • You need every task to be clearly scoped before starting - ambiguity and learning on the fly are constant
  • You’re seeking a pure finance or pure recruiting role - this is a generalist position that blends both and more

What We Offer

We will do our best to offer you a ride of a lifetime. It will not be easy, but it will be thrilling.

  • Salary: £60K - £85K + equity
  • 24 days holiday per year + bank holidays + 2 weeks work‑from‑anywhere
  • Pension plan
  • Top‑spec equipment and central London office
  • Dinner provided when working past 6 pm
  • Team events and dinners when we hit weekly targets
  • A fast‑paced ride in the early innings of a new technology wave

Team Arvin Ashrafi, Head of Finance & Operations De‑Vene Swanepoel, Talent Lead

Visas & Relocation

We generally require candidates to have the right to work in the UK. However, for exceptional candidates, we may offer visa sponsorship.

Interview Process

  • Stage 1: Screening - Intro call
  • Stage 2: Technical - Take‑home task with follow‑up in‑person discussion
  • Final Stage: Values - Interview with founders for culture and values alignment

If there is mutual fit, we move to references and offer.

Business Operations Associate employer: Kernel Company

Kernel is an exceptional employer that thrives on innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where employees are empowered to take ownership of their projects. With a focus on personal and professional growth, the company provides ample opportunities for learning and development, alongside competitive benefits such as equity, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive environment that values autonomy. Located in the heart of London, employees enjoy a vibrant city life while working closely with founders to shape the future of enterprise AI.

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Contact Details:

Kernel Company Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Operations Associate

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Kernel or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by understanding the company’s mission and values. Show us how your skills align with what we do at Kernel. Be ready to discuss how you can tackle challenges in finance and operations.

Tip Number 3

Practice your problem-solving skills! We love candidates who can think on their feet. Try mock interviews or case studies related to finance and operations to sharpen your analytical abilities.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Kernel team.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Operations Associate

Financial Acumen
Financial Modelling
Data Analysis
Quantitative Problem-Solving
Project Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Financial Flair:Make sure to highlight your financial acumen in your application. We want to see your comfort with financial modelling and data analysis, so don’t hold back on showcasing any relevant experience or projects you've tackled.

Be a Problem Solver:We love candidates who can tackle ambiguity head-on. In your written application, share examples of how you've managed complex projects from start to finish. This will show us you're the kind of person who thrives in a dynamic environment.

Keep It Clear and Concise:Your written communication skills are key! Make sure your application is clear and to the point. We appreciate candidates who can distill complex ideas into actionable insights, so keep that in mind when crafting your responses.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kernel Company

Know Your Numbers

As a Business Operations Associate, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial acumen. Brush up on your financial modelling and data analysis skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles, especially in forecasting and budgeting.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

This role is all about tackling diverse challenges. Prepare examples of how you've managed ambiguous projects from start to finish. Highlight your ability to distill complex problems into clear, actionable insights that drive results.

Be Ready for Cross-Functional Collaboration

You'll be working with various teams, so it's crucial to show that you can partner effectively across functions. Think of instances where you've collaborated with product, engineering, or revenue teams, and be prepared to discuss how you navigated those relationships.

Embrace Ambiguity

The job description mentions comfort with ambiguity, so be ready to share experiences where you've thrived in uncertain situations. Discuss how you adapt quickly to changing priorities and how you approach learning new domains on the fly.