Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Datenna stands at the forefront of global intelligence, providing decision-makers with unparalleled insights into China’s techno-economic landscape. Our cutting-edge intelligence portal—combining advanced open-source data collection and analysis, deep China subject matter expertise, and artificial intelligence—delivers essential insights that empower government clients and support effective statecraft worldwide. As a key player in the global technological and economic competition, Datenna is dedicated to delivering accurate, timely, and in-depth intelligence.

Guided by our CEO—a former diplomat with a global perspective—and a commitment to radical innovation, Datenna is actively refining its operational frameworks. We aspire to cultivate a culture reminiscent of Netflix’s “No Rules Rules” philosophy, emphasizing talent density, candid feedback, and minimal rules paired with rigorous accountability. We know that the devil is in the details when managing such a culture, and we are committed to developing the robust processes and communication structures necessary for success.

The Role: The COO will play a pivotal role in establishing and refining our internal operations at Datenna. Working closely with the CEO and the senior leadership team, you will help shape and execute a roadmap for operational transformation that focuses on process improvement, effective communication, and a dynamic company culture. While the role includes preparing strategic documentation for investors and the supervisory board, its primary focus is on strategic operational leadership—driving accountability and fostering an environment where top talent can thrive.

Your mission:

Operational Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and implement company-wide processes that ensure clarity, accountability, and agile decision-making.

• Establish and monitor key operational metrics (OKRs/KPIs) to drive high performance without impeding innovation.

Leadership & Culture:

• Collaborate closely with the CEO to cultivate an environment that aspires to Netflix’s “No Rules Rules” approach—emphasizing talent density, candid feedback, and minimal yet effective rules.

• Support rigorous hiring and performance practices to build and maintain a high-caliber team.

• Champion initiatives that enhance internal communication and foster cross-departmental collaboration.

Board & Investor Engagement:

• Prepare strategic documentation and operational summaries for investor meetings and supervisory board updates.

• Coordinate with legal counsel and external advisors to support governance and compliance, ensuring that board discussions remain focused on strategic growth.

Management Team Coordination:

• Lead high-impact management team meetings by setting clear agendas, tracking actionable items, and ensuring alignment across departments.

• Translate Datenna’s strategic vision into practical, measurable operational frameworks that drive continuous improvement.

Policy Evolution & Operational Roadmap:

• Identify areas for process enhancement and streamline policies to support a culture of progressive autonomy.

• Play a central role in executing our operational roadmap, ensuring that evolving processes deliver measurable business impact.

What makes you a great fit:

• Significant experience as a COO, Head of Operations, or in a similar senior leadership role—preferably in technology, software, data solutions, or intelligence.

• A proven track record of building and leading high-performance teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

• Expertise in designing and managing operational metrics (OKRs, KPIs) and establishing efficient processes without over-bureaucratizing.

• Familiarity with the challenges of serving government or intelligence clients is highly advantageous.

• Exceptional communication and strategic leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

*Please note that applicants may be subject to a screening process.*

• Impactful Mission: Influence the development of groundbreaking intelligence solutions that provide decision-makers with unparalleled insights into China’s techno-economic landscape, directly supporting effective statecraft on a global scale.

• Strategic Influence: Work directly with a visionary CEO and a dedicated leadership team to shape Datenna’s operational future.

• Cultural Transformation: Be at the forefront of our journey to adopt a Netflix-inspired “No Rules Rules” culture—where high talent density, candid feedback, and clear accountability drive innovation. Your expertise will be crucial in managing the intricate details necessary for this transformative approach.

• Dynamic Environment: Lead the creation of the operational frameworks that will underpin our growth—your leadership will be key in transforming our strategic vision into reality.

• Flexible Work Arrangement: Enjoy a role based in Eindhoven (fractional) with the possibility of partial remote work as the position evolves.

• Professional Growth: Expand your operational leadership skills in an environment that values initiative, accountability, and continuous improvement.

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