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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and optimise operations for a tech-enabled SME.
- Company: Fast-growing tech company focused on trades and small businesses.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, equity stake, and potential earnout on revenue milestones.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic business with significant growth potential.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in B2B growth and scaling early-phase businesses.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; ideal for exited founders or proven operators.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client, a fast-growing early phase tech-enabled SME serving trades and small businesses is seeking a strategic MD / CEO (full-time preferred, fractional considered) or a fractional Exec Chair to drive this growth trajectory while navigating normal growing pains. EBITDA positive, with strong asset utilisation they are targeting significant scale (3 to 5-year plan: multi-£m ARR, 25%+ margins, £20m+ valuation potential). Ideal for exited founders / execs, or proven No.2 operators, ready for another play with good equity upside possibilities.
The Role
- Shape overall strategy in conjunction with board / investors, lead B2B growth into target market, optimise operations / unit economics, to scale efficiently.
- Manage a lean team, leverage tech and partnerships for rapid revenue expansion while maintaining profitability.
- Execute ambitious growth plan to multi-£m ARR with industry-leading utilisation and margins.
- Drive B2B sales and customer acquisition via digital channels and partnerships.
- Optimise unit economics, cashflow, and ops in asset-intensive model.
- Deliver effective investor reporting (PE/VC experience valued).
- Build and coach small very capable core team to deliver significant revenue/profit targets in leading the business to a successful exit.
Person Profile
- Be an exited founder (marketplace / platforms / logistics / asset management / subscriptions / automotive) seeking a second venture (full or fractional role).
- Be a corporate divisional COO / CCO / Head of Growth / Head of Ops who has scaled something and keen to test yourself in a more entrepreneurial setting with ‘skin in the game’, e.g. £1–10m P&L for a subsidiary.
- Demonstrate proven revenue growth in a B2B sector (great if exposed to small businesses / Tradesman); having some B2C may resonate too.
- Have investor / board exposure and be comfortable with the challenges of scaling an early phase business to a significant multi-£10m+ exit, such as cash-flow as momentum builds.
- Show a strong founder’s ops mindset: unit economics, customer retention, lean team leadership.
- Be UK focused.
- Be open to either a full-time CEO, fractional CEO (e.g. 2 to 3 days per week), or fractional Exec Chair (1 to 2 days per week plus strategy – note there are NEDs in situ already).
Package
Six Figure FTE equivalent + significant equity stake subject to remit + earnout on revenue / EBITDA milestones. Wealth creation potential for the right leader.
Application
Please share your CV ASAP, including:
- Brief summary of your most relevant growth achievement.
- Preferred working structure (full-time CEO / fractional CEO / Exec Chair).
- Guide to remuneration expectations and notice / availability.
Location flexible but London / Home Counties could be beneficial re Investors.
Chief Executive Officer (Full-time or Fractional) employer: Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
Contact Detail:
Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (Full-time or Fractional)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create content that highlights your knowledge in scaling businesses and driving growth. Whether it's a blog post or a LinkedIn article, let potential employers see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their growth and how you can help them achieve their goals. It shows initiative and could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for talented leaders like you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and growth achievements.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (Full-time or Fractional)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your most relevant growth achievements and tailor your experience to match the role. We want to see how you've driven B2B sales or scaled operations in previous roles.
Be Clear About Your Availability: Whether you're looking for a full-time gig or a fractional role, let us know! Clearly state your preferred working structure in your application. This helps us understand how you fit into our plans.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: We’re after someone who can shape overall strategy and drive growth. In your application, share examples of how you've optimised operations or improved unit economics in past roles. We love a good success story!
Don’t Forget Remuneration Expectations: Be upfront about your salary expectations and notice period. This helps us align on what works for both sides. Remember, we’re all about transparency here at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
✨Know Your Numbers
As a potential CEO, you need to be on top of the financials. Brush up on key metrics like EBITDA, cash flow, and unit economics. Be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue growth in previous roles and how you plan to optimise these figures for the company.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for scaling the business. Think about how you would execute the ambitious growth plan mentioned in the job description. Bring examples from your past experiences where you've successfully shaped strategy and led teams through growth phases.
✨Demonstrate B2B Expertise
Since the role focuses on B2B growth, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've acquired customers in this space. Discuss any digital channels or partnerships you've leveraged to drive sales, especially if they relate to trades or small businesses.
✨Engage with Investor Mindset
Given the importance of investor reporting, come equipped with insights on how you've managed relationships with investors or boards in the past. Highlight your experience with scaling businesses and how you’ve navigated challenges related to cash flow and profitability during growth.