At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and financial strategy in a high-growth EdTech startup.
- Company: Join a market-leading, profitable international EdTech startup.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to CEO and impactful role in company growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for significant influence and leadership.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and drive performance at a pivotal moment in the company's journey.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as CFO or COO in VC-backed SaaS environments.
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.
Zanda is partnering with 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 a 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 in Slough employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that thrives on innovation and collaboration within the fast-paced EdTech sector. Employees benefit from significant growth opportunities, including the potential transition into a CEO role, while being part of a mission-driven team focused on operational excellence and strategic success. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive environment, Zanda is committed to empowering its workforce to achieve both personal and organisational goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operations Officer | B2B SaaS | Series B in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a new opportunity. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company thoroughly, understand their challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise your pitch so you can confidently showcase how you can drive profitability and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your skills and aspirations. Tailor your approach to each company, showing them why you’re the ideal fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operations Officer | B2B SaaS | Series B in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CFOO role. Highlight your experience in SaaS, operational leadership, and any relevant metrics that showcase your success. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven growth or improved operations. This helps us see the real you!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits our culture and can communicate effectively with all levels of the organisation. Be genuine about your experiences and aspirations!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
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 profitability and growth, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your operational expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've led cross-functional teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in driving operational effectiveness and aligning teams with strategic goals, as this will resonate well with the expectations for the CFOO role.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about financial strategy, forecasting, and cash management. Think about how you would approach these topics in the context of Zanda's current phase of disciplined growth and operational optimisation.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss instances where you've successfully unblocked cross-functional challenges. This role requires a strong problem-solver, so showcasing your ability to navigate ambiguity and make quick decisions will set you apart from other candidates.
