Chief Executive Officer

JW Markets; London Borough of Harrow; Hybrid; GBP 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the SaaS sector is seeking a dynamic CEO to drive growth during a critical funding phase. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in software, particularly in the B2B sector focused on retail and hospitality, and be prepared to lead strategy and operations, including acquisitions and integrations.

Benefits

Equity-linked incentives

Flexible working arrangements

Coaching and mentoring from the current CEO

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in software or IT services.
• 3 years’ sector-specific experience in hospitality, retail, or large-venue IT systems.
• Experience in leading growth and integrations.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead the Go-to-Market (GTM) Review and align stakeholders.
• Execute strategy post-funding, including acquisitions and scaling operations.
• Work closely with the current CEO during the transition.

Skills

B2B software expertise

Growth strategy

Integration experience

Job description

1. The Opportunity

Participate in significant equity ownership and steer a retail + hospitality‑focused SaaS scale‑up through a £5–10m growth round and a planned buy‑and‑build programme. You’ll partner with the current CEO (major shareholder) during a short strategy review, then transition to full CEO once funding closes.

Those looking for a predictable CEO role within an established business should not apply. This role will suit someone eager to join an equity‑aligned deal team and back themselves to create value in a strategic leadership role.

2. Funding & Timing

An investor is in the late stages of due diligence for the following equity financing:

• Bridge round: c. £250 k expected within 2 months to fund a Go‑to‑Market (GTM) Review.
• Follow‑on round: £5–10 m targeted within 6 months, contingent on the agreed GTM plan.

Candidates should be able to commit time before the follow‑on to work jointly on the GTM Review. Where applicable, notice should be served only after legal completion.

3. Mandate

• Co‑lead the GTM Review; align board, investors and target CEOs on a five‑year value plan.
• Post‑close, execute the strategy: integrate up to four complementary acquisitions, scale commercial operations and unlock data‑driven revenue. Two acquisitions are agreed in principle.

4. Who Will Thrive

• B2B software operator (retail/hospitality preferred) who has driven growth and integrations.
• Either a first‑time CEO stepping up from GM/P&L ownership or a former founder/CEO post‑exit.

It is expected that candidates will have 10 years’ software or IT‑services experience, with 3 years’ sector‑specific experience in hospitality, retail, travel hubs or large‑venue IT systems.

The current CEO will remain on the board and is available for coaching/mentoring if helpful.

5. Company Snapshot

Its software lets legacy POS hardware deliver modern digital experiences—loyalty, BNPL, e‑receipts—without rip‑and‑replace. Live with Moto (62 UK sites) and a 20 000‑POS US rollout queued via JV. Pipeline includes tier‑one airports and grocers.

6. Acquisition Thesis

Four software targets (two of which are agreed subject to raise) add adjacent functionality and richer data capture. Their CEOs will stay on, leaving the Group CEO free to focus on strategy, synergies and GTM.

7. Working Pattern

Flexible base (London/Harrow HQ or remote) with periodic US travel to the JV partner and key customers. Only residents of the UK or US may apply.

8. Package (Indicative)

• Base salary: Illustrative £160 k.
• Equity: Meaningful equity-linked incentives (material % on exit).

Final structure is open to discussion and will reflect your experience and track record.

Compensation for the period before the follow‑on investment is subject to discussion and will be largely determined by existing management’s view of the value you can add.