Head of Operational Excellence & Chief of Staff to the CEO

Nova Talent - San Francisco, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

San Francisco, CA

About the position

The Head of Operational Excellence & Chief of Staff to the CEO is a strategic role focused on enhancing operational efficiency and cross-functional alignment within the company. This position is an individual contributor role that supports the CEO in driving key initiatives and improving organizational processes. The ideal candidate will work closely with senior leaders to ensure alignment with strategic goals and will be responsible for managing various projects that contribute to the company's growth and success.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to optimize organizational efficiency and identify process improvements.
• Partner with Product, Marketing, Sales, Engineering, and Finance to drive company-wide projects, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
• Manage the integrated company calendar, coordinate cross-departmental meetings, prepare agendas, and ensure thorough follow-ups.
• Approach every process with meticulous attention to detail, developing solutions to address bottlenecks and implement streamlined workflows.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, providing data-backed insights, recommendations, and solutions to operational challenges.
• Enhance communication across teams, promoting transparency and seamless execution of company-wide initiatives.
• Ensure senior managers understand and execute on key initiatives, identifying effective delegation and follow-through for successful task completion.
• Learn directly from the CEO and executive team, gaining experience for future leadership roles.

Requirements

• 5+ years in roles such as Product Management, Program Management, or Management Consulting, ideally with a management consulting, PE, or high-growth startup background.
• Strong organizational skills and a meticulous approach to deadlines, efficiency, and managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Proven experience in operational efficiency, process improvement, and program/project management.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker who can align daily operations with broader company goals, and proactive in resolving inefficiencies.
• Proficiency in AI tools and automation to drive operational innovation.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a high-growth, fast-paced environment, especially a seed to Series C SaaS startup.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.
• MBA or advanced degree in business, operations, or a related field is a plus.

Benefits

• Mentorship and exposure to executive strategy and operations.
• Opportunity to drive meaningful improvements that contribute to the company's success and growth.
• Growth potential designed to prepare for future leadership roles.