Associate Chief of Staff (SC)

cocooncarbon • Charleston, SC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Cocoon is seeking an Associate Chief of Staff to work directly with the CEO, focusing on establishing the company's US presence. This role involves owning the people and talent function, managing business operations for a fast-scaling company, and leading the setup of US facilities. The position offers breadth, proximity to decision-making, and ownership with a clear growth path. The role is US-based, ideally in New Orleans, LA, or Charleston, SC, requiring in-person collaboration with the CEO. Travel of 1-2 weeks per month is expected, including to the London headquarters and between US locations.

Requirements

• 4-6 years in high-performance environments such as consulting, banking, or an operations or chief-of-staff role at a fast-growing startup.
• Structured thinker and relentless executor, capable of turning half-formed ideas into delivered outcomes.
• Ability to run multiple workstreams end-to-end with minimal oversight.
• Energized by people and talent work, including hiring, performance, and building systems for team excellence.
• Highly proficient with AI tools and good working knowledge of typical SaaS solutions across finance, HR, sales, and operations.
• Clear communication skills and ability to manage stakeholders across time zones.
• Thrive with a UK-based team and a travel-heavy rhythm (1-2 weeks per month).
• Relevant experience taking organizations and facilities from zero to one, enabling prediction and prevention of hiccups and scaling challenges.

Nice To Haves

• An engineering background or degree, to engage credibly with technical teams.
• Exposure to hardware, industrial, climate tech, or construction sectors.

Responsibilities

• Act as a day-to-day thought partner to the CEO, pressure-testing ideas, developing solutions, driving follow-through on priorities, and partnering with the commercial team on strategic projects.
• Bring structure, rhythm, and automation to OKR management and company reporting to help the organization achieve goals and drive high performance.
• Own the people & talent function, establishing and improving processes across hiring and performance management.
• Work collaboratively with the UK team to drive towards becoming an AI-native company and streamline processes, systems, and operations.
• Lead the establishment of Cocoon's first US facilities, including a concrete testing lab and customer showroom in South Carolina, managing site selection, leases, permitting, contractors, equipment procurement, fit-out, and logistics.
• Establish Cocoon's US business operations, including office and facilities management, US legal & finance matters, R&D grant applications, insurance, and US-side material and equipment logistics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and stock options.
• Healthcare, dental & vision: an $800/month tax-free allowance (ICHRA via TakeCommand) towards your own plan, plus $500 for a first dependent and $250 for a second.
• 401(k) through Guideline with a 4% company match.
• 20 days PTO plus ~10 US federal holidays (30 days total).
• $1,000 annual development budget, with more available on request.
• Relocation support if required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed