Chief of Staff

Sonder.io; Waterloo; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working environment

Free access to Sonder app

Paid parental leave

Study leave

Employee Share Option Plan

Wellbeing fund

Dog-friendly office

Volunteer leave

Job summary

A pioneering health-tech company based in New South Wales is seeking a Chief of Staff to partner with the CEO in driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in management consulting, with proven experience in regulatory leadership and stakeholder engagement. This role requires adaptability and a passion for enhancing workplace wellbeing, with responsibilities spanning strategic planning to project execution. Join a dynamic team committed to making a positive impact in the health sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in management consulting or a similar high-growth strategy role.
• Experience engaging with health regulators and policy discussions.
• Ability to articulate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with CEO to develop growth opportunities.
• Facilitate communication between CEO and Executive Teams.
• Lead regulatory strategy and engagement.
• Prepare high-stakes materials for board and investor meetings.
• Monitor advancements in AI and technology for strategic initiatives.

Skills

Management consulting

Strategic problem-solving

Financial acumen

Regulatory engagement

Stakeholder management

Deep leadership knowledge

Product and member mindset

Education

Master’s degree in Business Strategy or Executive Leadership

Job description

At Sonder, we believe that every person deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered to be at their best - wherever they are. That’s why we’re redefining workplace health, safety, and wellbeing through a seamless blend of technology and human expertise. Sonder’s mobile platform provides 24/7, real-time support from a dedicated team of safety, medical, and mental health professionals - ensuring that our members receive immediate care when they need it most. In critical situations, we go beyond digital support, offering on-the-ground assistance to manage time-sensitive incidents.

By harnessing real-time insights, we enable organisations to take proactive steps toward a healthier, safer future, which leads directly to tangible bottom-line business outcomes.

An Exciting Time to Join Sonder!

Since our founding in 2017, Sonder has experienced rapid growth, expanding operations across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Backed by Australia’s leading venture capital firms, Seek and Blackbird, we are well-capitalised and on a mission to scale globally, partnering with corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies to transform workplace wellbeing at scale. Our impact and scale: 1,000,000+ members across multiple countries 200+ team members, plus an extensive network of on-the-ground responders If you’re passionate about using technology and human expertise to drive meaningful change, join us in shaping the future of workplace wellbeing!

About the role

We are looking for a high-impact Chief of Staff to serve as the strategic partner and "force multiplier" for our CEO. You aren't just an "administrator"; you are a strategic architect who understands that scaling a global health-tech company requires a seamless blend of operational rigour, commercial acumen, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

This role is for you if you are a master problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity, takes full ownership of high-stakes projects, and can pivot from board-level strategy to granular operational execution. You’ll need to be highly adaptable and resilient, comfortable with shifting priorities and rapid iteration as we continue our fast-paced global growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Architecture: Partner directly with the CEO to develop and land growth opportunities, including new products, GTM motions, and international market entry.

Bridge the Gap: Facilitate seamless communication between the CEO and the Executive/Senior Leadership Teams, ensuring absolute alignment on key initiatives and strategic trade-offs.

Regulatory Leadership: Lead Sonder’s government affairs and regulatory strategy, positioning us as a leader in the responsible use of AI, digital health, and clinical governance.

CEO Enablement: Act as a trusted extension of the CEO—accompanying them on domestic and international travel, preparing high-stakes board and investor materials, and ensuring they are briefed for every critical engagement.

Special Projects & Innovation: Oversee "vanguard" projects that don't yet have a natural home in the business, monitoring advancements in AI and emerging tech to ensure Sonder remains at the cutting edge.

Operational Agility: Transform complex strategies into clear frameworks and actionable choices, providing the insights needed to solve the business's most difficult scaling challenges.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

Strategic Versatility: 5+ years in management consulting or a similar high-growth strategy role (or 3+ years for qualified medical practitioners moving into commercial leadership).

Commercial & Financial Edge: A deep grasp of business strategy and finance. You don't just "manage" tasks; you understand the "why" behind every commercial decision and its impact on the bottom line.

Regulatory Proficiency: Experience engaging with health regulators, government stakeholders, or policy discussions. You know how to translate evolving AI and digital health policies into a competitive advantage.

Deep Leadership Knowledge: Strong grasp of executive communication and stakeholder management. You are an expert at synthesizing complex information into clarity and remain composed under extreme pressure.

Product & Member Mindset: You are obsessed with the member experience and ensuring our clinical and technological innovations drive real value in the real world.

• Master’s degree in Business Strategy or Executive Leadership.
• Prior experience in a venture-backed SaaS or Health-Tech startup.
• Active network within government or digital health policy circles.

Why join Sonder?

At Sonder, we thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment with a strong commitment to our people. Our team is a collaborative, vibrant group of passionate professionals, dedicated to making a real impact on people’s lives every day.

• Hybrid and flexible working environment. Enjoy the perfect balance of in-office collaboration and 2 days work from home flexibility, empowering you to optimise your productivity and work-life balance.
• Our employees and their families get free access to the Sonder app with 24/7 support.
• Paid parental leave with an attractive return to work policy, 12 weeks for Primary Carers and 4 weeks for Secondary Carers, plus our Primary Carers return to work at 80% for the first 3 months at full pay.
• 2 days of study leave to invest in your professional growth.
• Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) – share in Sonder’s success.
• Salary Packaging and novated leasing .
• Access $250 annually to fund to invest in your wellbeing, empowering you to choose the support that best fits your needs.
• Dog-friendly office in our Sydney HQ
• Volunteer leave. 2 days per year to participate in meaningful causes and contribute back to the community.

Sonder is for Everyone

At Sonder, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. Our members come from all backgrounds, and we know that a diverse team helps us better understand and support their needs. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and all hiring decisions are based on merit, capability, and alignment with the role.

Due to the nature of our industry, all Sonder employees are required to complete a National Police Check and Working With Children Check.