Founding Chief of Staff

Founding Chief of Staff
Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite, 5 days per week)
Salary: $200,000 + Founding Equity
Type: Full-time, Permanent
My client, an early-stage AI startup building infrastructure to evaluate and optimise enterprise AI agents, is looking for a Founding Chief of Staff to work directly with the founder. This is a high-ownership role combining market strategy, go-to-market execution, customer development and operations, with the opportunity to shape the company's direction and grow into a senior leadership position.

Key Responsibilities
•    Identify and prioritise the most promising customer segments and market opportunities
•    Engage prospective customers, validate market demand and turn conversations into actionable insights
•    Develop pricing, positioning, packaging and ROI strategies for different buyer segments
•    Work alongside the founder on enterprise customer engagements, from initial conversations through to signed pilots
•    Translate market research and customer feedback into effective go-to-market strategies
•    Support recruiting, business operations and cross-functional special projects
•    Take ownership of emerging business priorities as the company scales

Requirements
•    Typically 2–8 years' experience in consulting, investment banking, investing, startup operations, sales or a similarly demanding environment
•    Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess markets, segment customers and test commercial hypotheses
•    A hands-on approach to execution, turning ambiguous problems into actionable plans quickly
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to enterprise executives
•    Ability to learn technical concepts quickly and engage confidently with technical buyers
•    Willingness to work across strategy, customer-facing activities and day-to-day operations

Desirable
•    Experience with B2B go-to-market strategy, pricing or market research
•    Previous experience in an early-stage startup
•    Familiarity with AI, developer tools or selling to technical customers

What’s on Offer
•    $200,000 salary plus founding equity
•    Direct access to the founder and involvement in key company decisions from day one
•    Broad ownership across strategy, GTM and operations, with scope to grow into a leadership role
•    Opportunity to help shape a rapidly evolving AI market
•    Relocation support for candidates moving to San Francisco
•    Medical, dental and vision coverage
•    Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided in the office
•    Equinox membership or fitness stipend
•    Substantial budget for AI tools and usage