Chief of Staff (m/f/d)

Software Defined Automation GmbH • Boston, MA

2d

About The Position

SDA is building the category-defining “Industrial DevOps” platform for manufacturing—bringing modern software practices (backup, version control, secure remote access, browser-based engineering, and AI-assisted documentation) to PLCs, robots, drives, and OT environments across vendors. We work with global manufacturers and partners to make industrial software scalable, secure, and maintainable. As Chief of Staff, you will be the CEO’s force multiplier - driving execution across the company’s top priorities, turning strategy into operating rhythm, and ensuring our cross-functional initiatives land on time and at bar-raising quality. You will operate at the intersection of GTM, product, partnerships, and finance, with high exposure to board/investors and executive stakeholders at global industrial customers. This role is ideal for someone with Tier 1 consulting or investment banking experience who wants to step into a high-ownership operating role at a fast-growing industrial software startup.

Requirements

• MSc (or equivalent) in a MINT field (STEM) or Business.
• 5+ years experience in Tier 1 consulting (e.g., McKinsey/BCG/Bain or equivalent) or investment banking (top platform), ideally with exposure to software/industrial/operations.
• Exceptional structured thinking and communication (you can turn messy inputs into a clean narrative and a concrete plan).
• Strong analytical skills (Excel/Google Sheets fluency; comfort with metrics, models, and business cases).
• Proven ability to drive cross-functional execution without formal authority.
• High agency, low ego; you execute and you elevate the team around you.
• Extreme reliability: follow-ups, details, and deadlines are your default.
• You thrive in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities.
• You have sound judgment, discretion, and strong stakeholder management.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with enterprise software, industrial/OT environments, cybersecurity, or manufacturing operations.
• Prior startup experience (operator mindset, speed, ownership).
• Comfort engaging senior executives (customers, partners, investors).

Responsibilities

• Run the CEO’s operating system: weekly leadership cadence, quarterly planning, KPI dashboards, and decision logs.
• Prepare CEO meetings: agendas, pre-reads, crisp narratives, follow-ups, and accountability tracking.
• Lead cross-functional “mission-critical” initiatives (e.g., enterprise rollout playbooks, partner launches, security/compliance readiness, pricing/packaging iterations).
• Structure ambiguous problems, drive alignment, and unblock execution across teams.
• Support enterprise deals: build business cases, coordinate internal resources, track deal risks, and ensure customer commitments are met.
• Help manage key partnerships: joint planning, launch milestones, and executive-level communications.
• Support fundraising and investor updates: metrics, narrative, Q&A prep, data room hygiene, and board materials.
• Build and maintain high-quality models and analyses (pipeline, ARR, unit economics, account plans).
• Own “whatever it takes” projects directly from the CEO—fast turnaround, high standards, and clear outcomes.

Benefits

• A mission no less than to work at the forefront of technology to improve the productivity of mankind
• A fast-scaling global deep tech company environment led by industry veterans, where your area of responsibility grows with the company
• Competitive salary + meaningful equity; benefits aligned with an early-stage, high-growth company.
• Full empowerment and independence for your assigned areas of work
• Flat hierarchies and short decision paths

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive