Strategy & Operations Lead | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Arbeitnow
• Location: Berlin
• Job Type: Full-Time

Job Description

What we do

Cambrium is the new chemical company, engineering molecules with absolute precision to enable performance that didn't exist before. We built an AI engine that designs scalable molecules we can manufacture into performance chemicals, enabling our customers to create products that outperform.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity. We consider all applications equally regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We strongly encourage individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in tech to apply. Please apply even if you don't match the criteria exactly. We believe potential and determination beat experience.

Your role

As Strategy & Operations Lead, you will sit at the centre of Cambrium's strategic and operational engine, reporting directly to the CEO. This is a high-impact, high-ownership role for someone early in their career who is structured, intellectually curious, and ready to take on significant responsibility. You will work across the most consequential workstreams in the company, from strategic projects and investor relations to board governance and company-wide rhythm-keeping, giving you a front-row seat to how an ambitious deep-tech company is built.

This is not a support role. You will take full ownership of critical workstreams, drive them to completion, and raise the bar on how we operate. Your responsibilities will change over time and will always remain somewhat flexible. If you are craving a neatly scoped, predictable list of responsibilities, this is not the role for you.

Your responsibilities

Strategic projects & investor relations

• Prepare and iterate on materials for investor and board audiences, including presentations, data rooms, and Q&A preparation, in close collaboration with Mitch, our CEO, and wider Leadership Team
• Coordinate investor processes end-to-end, managing pipeline, tracking milestones, and ensuring timely, high-quality follow-up
• Take full ownership of high-priority cross-functional projects as they arise, from strategic research and competitive analysis to special initiatives that span teams
• Partner with the CEO to develop and stress-test strategic thinking, and translate decisions into clear, actionable plans

Board & governance

• Lead end-to-end preparation of board meetings, structuring agendas, coordinating input from functional leads, producing board packs, and ensuring timely distribution
• Track and follow up on action items and decisions arising from board and leadership meetings
• Support ad hoc governance tasks as they arise

Internal rhythm & operations

• Design and run the company's internal operating cadence, including All Hands meetings, leadership team meetings, and goal/BTG reviews
• Own the preparation of internal meeting materials and ensure decisions made in those forums get followed through
• Develop and maintain internal processes and documentation that keep a fast-growing team running smoothly, and proactively identify where things are breaking down
• Support people operations, including coordination around hiring and onboarding during growth phases

Your profile

• 3 to 5 years of experience in an operational role at an early-stage startup, or in other fast-paced environments such as VC, consulting, or investment banking
• Exceptional structure and clarity of thinking, both written and verbal; you can distill complexity into something crisp and actionable
• Strong ownership mentality: you don't wait to be told what to do, and you close open loops
• High attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to maintain momentum when the path isn't fully defined
• Advanced skills in PowerPoint and Excel; comfortable with quantitative analysis and financial modelling basics
• Fluent in English; German is a plus
• Genuine interest in deep tech or the future of materials

Nice to haves:

• Industrial biotech, materials science, or performance chemicals background
• Prior exposure to fundraising processes or investor-facing work

What we offer

• Direct exposure to the CEO and leadership team, with genuine influence over how the company is built
• Employee stock options
• Flexible working hours
• Learning & development programme
• Gym membership
• Public transportation contribution for Berlin or Paris
• Subsidised lunch and impassioned lunch discussions
• 30 days of vacation + all-company holidays between 25th December and 1st January
• Regular team events
• Be part of our journey toward a future of sustainable materials

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Expert Career Tips for Strategy & Operations Lead Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Strategy & Operations Lead, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Strategy & Operations Lead requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Berlin and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Berlin, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Strategy & Operations Lead position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.