Chief Operating Officer

Propel; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech scaleup in London is seeking a hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to work closely with the founder. This unique role offers a variety of challenges, from negotiating contracts to leading expansion, ideal for someone with a B2C fintech background and a knack for details. Applicants should be ready to dive into both strategic and operational duties within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Direct involvement in European expansion

Exposure to fundraising and investor strategies

Fast-track to exit alongside experienced chairman

Qualifications

• B2C fintech background with card experience from a startup or scaleup.
• Sharp commercial mind; able to read contracts and spot risks.
• Strong written and verbal communicator.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate Mastercard and co-brand contracts.
• Drive European expansion plans.
• Support fundraising and investor conversations.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Problem solving

Communication

Adaptability

Job description

We're Hiring: Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Fintech Scaleup | London (4 Days in office)

If you’re looking for real ownership, huge variety, and the chance to work directly with a founder building something special, this is it.

I know this client exceptionally well. I’ve hired for them six times in the last 18 months! I can confidently say they’re a fast-growing B2C fintech that’s scaling quickly. They’ve built something genuinely different in the card and travel space and are gearing up for their next stage of growth, which includes a planned exit in the next three years.

They’re now hiring their first COO, but this isn’t your typical COO job.

This is a hands-on, roll-your-sleeves-up role. You’ll be the founder’s right hand, getting stuck into everything from partner contracts and hiring to office logistics and European expansion plans.

What You’ll Get:

• A true right-hand role to the founder with exposure to every corner of the business
• Direct involvement in European expansion, fundraising, and investor strategy
• A front-row seat as the business scales through major co-brand partnerships
• Huge breadth and variety, no two days will look the same
• The chance to build the operational backbone of a high-growth fintech
• A fast-track to exit in the next 2 to 3 years alongside a chairman with proven scale and exit experience

You’ll Work on Everything, Big and Small:

Big things:

• Negotiating Mastercard and co-brand contracts
• Driving European expansion plans
• Supporting fundraising, investor conversations, and the next investor raise
• Writing proposals for partners, regulators, and shaping key strategic partnerships
• Running hiring processes and shaping the team
• Being everywhere, spinning plates, solving problems

Small things:

• Booking tradespeople, sorting office moves, mounting screens, whatever needs doing
• Chasing suppliers and fixing operational hiccups
• Jumping in on customer support issues when needed

Let’s Be Clear:

• This is a full-on, hands-on role
• Nothing is beneath you here
• If the smaller stuff feels like it’s “not your job,” this won’t be the right fit

But if you love variety, want to genuinely help build a business from every angle, and thrive on getting stuck in, you’ll love this.

What This Role Isn’t:

• It’s not a traditional COO role with big teams and layers of management
• It’s not flexible or hybrid, this is a minimum 4 days a week in the Central London office

Who Will Love This:

• People who’ve been the go-to person for a founder in a B2C fintech, especially with card experience
• Generalists who thrive in fast-paced, scrappy environments and love figuring things out on the fly
• People who can jump from negotiating VC term sheets to fixing office kit in the same day
• Sharp operators who care about the commercial detail but aren’t precious about what’s on their to-do list

Who This Won’t Suit:

Let’s be upfront:

• If you’re looking for a big team to manage, this probably isn’t what you’re after
• If you need hybrid or remote working, this isn’t the right fit
• If handling the day-to-day details like booking tradespeople, sorting office moves, or jumping into customer issues doesn’t appeal, this won’t be for you
• If you prefer leading from a distance rather than being in the thick of the action, you won’t enjoy this

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role where you’ll get stuck in at every level.

Some people thrive in that. Others don’t, and that’s completely okay.

Must Haves:

• B2C fintech background with card experience (ideally from a startup or scaleup, rather than large corporates)
• Sharp commercial mind, you can read contracts, spot risks, and understand the detail
• Fast learner who thrives on variety and can switch gears quickly
• Strong written and verbal communicator
• Fully hands-on, you love solving problems and getting things done
• Minimum 4 days a week in the London office, no exceptions

If you love getting stuck in, learning fast, and being right at the heart of a growing business, this could be the one.

Even if you don’t tick every single box, if this sounds like your kind of environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now.