Founders’ Associate / Office Manager — Venture-backed deep-tech | Manchester | Full-time
We’re a venture-backed deep-tech business working across space and defence — space domain awareness, on-orbit systems, next-generation sensors and counter-UAS. We’re backed by experienced institutional investors and supported by a board with deep sector credibility.
We’re at an inflection point. The business is scaling out of its earliest phase and we need the person who builds the operating system around it. This is a high-trust role sitting directly alongside the founders. You’ll own the shift from founder‑led improvisation to a deliberate, well‑run company — standing up our Manchester office, building core policies and platforms, running board pack and investor rhythms, and progressively taking on the operational load the CEO currently carries.
What You’ll Own
- Manchester office standup — lease, fit‑out, security, suppliers
- Core policies and platforms: HR, IT, security, procurement, expenses
- Project visibility and ways of working across the team
- Cyber security baseline and access management
- Board packs, investor materials and contract administration
- Inbound triage — commercial opportunities, candidates, partners
- Programme coordination: invoicing, milestones, partner liaison
- People and culture foundations alongside our leadership team
Who We’re Looking For
An unusually capable generalist who is energised by building structure where none exists. You’ll have experience in an early‑stage startup, founders’ office, or top‑tier consulting environment — and be able to point to something specific you built that the organisation now runs on. Given our sector, we need someone with high personal standards on confidentiality, judgement and discretion. Familiarity with Cyber Essentials and government or defence contracting hygiene is a genuine plus. Manchester‑based or strongly willing to be.
UK work visa essential. No relocation or sponsorship available.
Why This Role
You’ll see and shape every part of the business — commercial, technical, financial and cultural — at the moment it scales. There is a genuine path to broader operational leadership over time, and the equity case that goes with it.
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