At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and finance, driving growth and strategy in a high-impact role.
- Company: Join a market-leading EdTech startup with a strong customer base and international presence.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to CEO and involvement in strategic decision-making.
- Other info: Work closely with CEOs and investors in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of a dynamic company during a critical growth phase.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as CFO or COO in a high-growth SaaS environment.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 € per year.
Zanda is an Executive search partner that works exclusively with high growth start-ups as they look to scale their business with senior talent. Zanda partners with VC’s, Founder’s, CEO’s and CFO’s when it comes to successfully delivering on key senior appointments.
The business Zanda is partnering with is a market leading, profitable and international EdTech startup as they look to identify a game changing CFOO to bring into the business. The business has recently undergone a successful strategic reset and is now focused on driving profitability and maximising enterprise value ahead of a planned exit in the near term. With a strong customer base, established market presence, and improving financial fundamentals, the business is entering a critical phase of disciplined growth and operational optimisation.
They are now seeking a CFOO with a strong operational lens to partner closely with the CEO and leadership team through this next chapter. This role will lead lean teams that cover finance, business operations, people and RevOps. The ideal candidate will have led cross functional teams in previous roles and understand the OKRs and metrics that drive great SaaS businesses. This role will potentially offer the transition into the CEO role for the right individual.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Act as the CEO’s key partner, combining financial leadership with operational oversight.
- Own financial strategy, forecasting, and cash management with a sharp focus on runway.
- Drive commercial discipline and support revenue growth through strong SaaS metrics and unit economics.
- Lead company-wide planning processes, including annual strategy, quarterly execution cycles and OKRs.
- Improve operational effectiveness across teams, ensuring alignment, accountability, and performance.
- Support board and investor reporting, including preparation for strategic events and potential exit.
- Oversee accounting, audit, tax, and financial operations.
- Lead organisational design and people-related initiatives, ensuring the business is structured to scale.
- Run core business rhythms (planning cycles, reviews, reporting) and translate strategy into execution.
- Act as a problem-solver across the business, unblocking cross-functional challenges and driving key initiatives.
What experience you should bring:
- Proven experience as a CFO or COO within a VC or PE backed SaaS or recurring revenue business.
- Ideally with experience leading on an exit process.
- Strong understanding of SaaS metrics, unit economics, and commercial drivers.
- Experience operating beyond finance, with exposure to COO-level responsibilities.
- Track record of working in high-growth, turnaround, or performance-focused environments.
- Strong financial modelling, forecasting, and cash management expertise.
- Comfortable working hands-on in lean, fast-paced environments.
- Experience working closely with CEOs, boards, and investors.
- Familiarity with tools such as Xero, Salesforce, and modern data/reporting platforms.
Ideal profile:
- Commercially minded and operationally focused, not purely accounting-driven.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and able to make decisions quickly and pragmatically.
- Strong communicator, able to influence across all levels of the organisation.
- Highly organised with a natural ability to bring structure and clarity.
- Resilient, adaptable, and effective under pressure.
- A true business partner who can challenge, support, and execute alongside the CEO.
Why this role?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal, high-impact role at a defining moment in a company’s journey. You’ll play a central role in shaping strategy, driving performance, and ultimately helping deliver a successful outcome for the business and its stakeholders. This role also provides the opportunity to step into a future CEO role for those with ambitions to do so in the future.
Chief Operations Officer | B2B SaaS | Series B employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to join a market-leading EdTech startup at a pivotal moment in its growth journey. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, the company fosters an environment where innovative ideas are encouraged, and operational excellence is paramount. Employees benefit from the potential for significant career advancement, including the possibility of transitioning into a CEO role, all while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving profitability and maximising enterprise value.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operations Officer | B2B SaaS | Series B
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with folks already in the role or company you’re eyeing. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about gathering insights and making a good impression. We can learn a lot from their experiences, and who knows, they might even think of you when a position opens up!
✨Showcase Your Value
When you get that interview, focus on how your skills and experience can directly benefit the company. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your impact. We want to see how you can help drive profitability and operational optimisation, just like the role demands!
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you note! It’s a simple way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. We believe this small gesture can set you apart from other candidates and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operations Officer | B2B SaaS | Series B
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in SaaS and operational leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant metrics or achievements that align with what Zanda is looking for.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset:In your written application, emphasise your ability to think strategically. Talk about how you've driven profitability and maximised enterprise value in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the expectations for the CFOO position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out. Remember, we want to see your impact quickly, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Zanda.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨Know Your SaaS Metrics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of SaaS metrics and unit economics. Be ready to discuss how these metrics drive revenue growth and operational effectiveness, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've led cross-functional teams or driven strategic initiatives. Highlight your experience in high-growth environments and how you've successfully navigated challenges, as this will resonate with what the company is looking for.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company's recent strategic reset and their focus on profitability and enterprise value. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their next chapter of disciplined growth.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you've unblocked cross-functional challenges or driven key initiatives, as this will showcase your ability to act as a true business partner to the CEO.
