At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and financial oversight in a high-growth EdTech startup.
- Company: Join a market-leading, profitable international EdTech startup with a strong customer base.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth, potential CEO path, and impactful role in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Work closely with CEOs and investors in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping strategy and driving performance during a critical growth phase.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as CFO or COO in VC-backed SaaS businesses with strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 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.
Zanda is partnering with a market leading, profitable and international EdTech startup as they look to identify a game changing COO 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 COO 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.
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 and efficiency.
- Drive commercial discipline and support revenue growth through strong SaaS metrics and unit economics.
- Lead company-wide planning processes, including annual strategy and quarterly execution cycles.
- 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. There is also the strong potential for this role developing into a CEO position.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COO | B2B SaaS | Series B in City of London
✨Get Involved in Startup Events
Dive into the local startup scene! Attend pitch nights, hackathons, and networking events. It's a great way to meet founders and like-minded folks. Plus, you never know who might put in a good word for you at a startup like Zanda!
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Startups love unique ideas! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your past projects, especially those relevant to startups. This personal touch can really make you stand out when you're applying for that full-time gig at Zanda.
✨Leverage Startup Communities Online
Get active on platforms such as Indie Hackers, Startup Grind, or even LinkedIn groups focused on startups. Participating in discussions can increase your visibility and open up potential job leads, especially at buzzing companies like Zanda.
✨Direct Applications are Your Best Bet
Don't shy away from applying directly through our website. Startups often check their own portals first before other job sites. Tailor your application to show how you can add value to Zanda — a personal touch goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace COO | B2B SaaS | Series B in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When applying for a role in startups and entrepreneurship, it's crucial to highlight any experience you have with starting your own projects or businesses. We love seeing examples of your initiative, so sprinkle in stories of how you’ve taken risks or solved problems creatively—this is what makes you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for Impact:In the startup world, your CV should reflect not just your experience, but the impact you've made. Use quantifiable achievements to show your contributions, like percentage increases in growth or revenue. Remember, we’re looking for go-getters who know how to get results!
Craft a Provocative Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a chance to showcase your passion and motivation for working at Zanda. Don't just list your skills—share your vision and what excites you about the entrepreneurial journey. Connect your personal aspirations with what we need, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep Your Portfolio Handy:If you have a portfolio showcasing any past projects or entrepreneurial efforts, definitely mention it in your application. Though not always necessary for full-time roles, it can provide us with deeper insights into your work style and creativity. If you have a blog, products, or any innovation, we'd love to see it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
In startups, they love seeing passion and initiative. Be ready to share any personal projects or ideas you've worked on. This shows you’re not just about the 9-to-5, but you’re invested in creating value, which is key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Brush Up on Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to be thrown some curveballs during the interview—startups often face unexpected challenges. Having a couple of examples up your sleeve where you’ve creatively solved problems will really impress them. It's all about how you think on your feet!
✨Know Your Stuff About the Industry
Since you're applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to see you've done your homework. Make sure you understand where the startup stands in its industry, including competitors and market trends. It’s a great way to show you're genuinely interested and can contribute from day one.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
Startups can pivot quickly, so highlight your adaptability. Share examples of when you've successfully navigated change or taken on roles outside your comfort zone. This shows you’re ready for whatever comes your way, which is crucial in a startup atmosphere!
