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: Enjoy 24 days holiday, work-from-anywhere weeks, and team events for hitting targets.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of finance and operations in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in consulting or startups, strong financial acumen, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Perfect for adaptable generalists who thrive in fast-paced, project-based roles.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
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AI only works when the underlying data is accurate — but most CRMs are filled with duplicates, broken hierarchies, and outdated information that undermine forecasting, territory planning, and AI deployments.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.
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
- 24 days holiday per year + bank holidays + 2 weeks work-from-anywhere
- 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
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 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
Contact Detail:
Kernel Recruiting 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 who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even referrals that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, be ready to tackle curveball questions or case studies. Practise thinking on your feet and showcasing your problem-solving skills, just like you'd need to in the Business Operations Associate role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your past work that highlight your financial acumen and project management abilities. Use real data or scenarios to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges before.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Operations Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Operations Associate role. Highlight your experience in finance and operations, and show us how your skills align with our needs. We want to see how you can be a force multiplier for our team!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give us examples of how you've tackled ambiguous projects or challenges in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet and deliver results, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate excellent written communication, so make sure your insights are clear and actionable. Avoid jargon and get straight to the point – we want to understand your value quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kernel
✨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. Be prepared to discuss your experience with forecasting, budgeting, and KPI dashboards, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
This role is all about tackling diverse challenges. Think of specific examples where you've managed ambiguous projects or solved complex problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your ability to deliver results across various domains.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. Understanding their approach to enterprise AI and how they support RevOps teams will help you align your answers with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you articulate how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare for Cultural Fit Questions
Since the final stage involves a values interview with the founders, be ready to discuss your personal values and how they align with the company's culture. Reflect on your experiences in high-growth environments and be honest about your adaptability to change and ambiguity.