Your role We are a fast-growing quantum computing start-up on a mission to revolutionize how the world solves its hardest computational challenges. Backed by leading investors and an exceptional scientific team, we are entering an exciting scale-up phase beyond Series A. To support this growth, we are seeking an experienced, hands-on VP Operations to take full ownership of our core operational functions and partner closely with the CEO to drive the next stage of our journey. As our VP Operations, you will build and run our operational backbone - Finance, People & Culture, Legal & IP, Office Management, and core IT - autonomously and with full accountability. In this role you will be the operational counterpart to our CEO, helping to define the company’s operating model, goals, and accountability structure Your responsibilities Lead and manage core operational functions: Finance, People & Culture, Legal/IP, Office Management, and IT Act as the experienced partner to the CEO to build and evolve our operating model, including strategic planning, goal setting, and organizational communication Own and scale all operational processes and structures to support rapid growth beyond Series A & B Ensure operational excellence at the intersection of founders, investors, and interdisciplinary internal teams Establish scalable processes in budgeting, reporting, and resource planning to support a growing headcount and global ambitions Identify and close structural gaps before they become problems Lead and mentor a growing team (>10 FTE) to high performance and alignment with company goals and culture Champion a culture that balances deep tech/research innovation with operational discipline Your profile Completed studies in Business Management, Finance or Economics (Engineering, Physics, Human Resources, or equivalent qualifications also considered) Proven track record as (Senior) VP Operations (or equivalent) or a Finance leadership role in a fast-growing Series A/B start-up, ideally in deep tech or technology platforms Minimum 10 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years in senior operational leadership roles; experience leading 10 FTE directly or indirectly Demonstrated experience in scaling processes, building teams, and implementing robust Finance (planning, budgeting, reporting) and HR systems Ability to operate independently and free up CEO bandwidth by taking full ownership of operations. True startup mindset; hands-on, driven, resilient. As we are a young venture, we all must wear different hats and contribute to different aspects of the business Excellent command of English is necessary, and German is a big plus Why join us? At Kipu Quantum, you have a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology by contributing to one of the most exciting startups in quantum computing. Your work will have a lasting impact as we tackle groundbreaking challenges and redefine what is possible in this cutting-edge field We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, international culture where openness, transparency, and innovation thrive. Here, you will be part of a team that genuinely cares about our work and each other Your growth matters to us. With ample opportunities for individual development, you can sharpen your skills, advance your career, and explore new horizons within a fast-paced and supportive environment Enjoy the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life with our adaptable working hours and remote-friendly options We also believe in making work life enjoyable. From regular team events that foster connections to perks like contributions toward public transport or shopping vouchers, international remote work opportunities, 30 vacation days per year and more, we are committed to creating a workplace where you can thrive Contact Is this you? We hope so! Are you confident that our mission can’t succeed without YOU on board? Don’t hesitate - submit your application today using our online form! Be sure to include your CV (in English or German), your salary expectations, and your earliest possible start date. Have questions or want to discuss the role in more detail? Reach out to Svenja Anderer, our Lead People & Culture at Kipu Quantum. We’d love to hear from you! WEB. https://kipu-quantum.com/career/ MAIL. hr@kipu-quantum.com MOBILE. 0049 172 399 5868 KARLSRUHE OFFICE. Kipu Quantum GmbH, Roonstraße 23a, 76137 Karlsruhe BERLIN OFFICE. Kipu Quantum GmbH, Greifswalder Str. 212, 10405 Berlin About us Kipu Quantum is a German startup focused on quantum computing, with offices in Karlsruhe and Berlin. We specialize in developing quantum algorithms tailored for specific applications and hardware. Our solutions help various industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, logistics, and finance, to tackle complex problems using existing quantum hardware. We aim to make practical quantum computing accessible by significantly reducing the time needed to achieve quantum advantage for real-world applications. In December 2023, Kipu Quantum secured €10.5 million in seed funding, led by HV Capital and DTCF (DeepTech & Climate Fonds), with participation from Entrada Ventures, Quantonation, and First Momentum Ventures. This funding will support the development of our hardware-specific quantum algorithms and accelerate the commercialization of our quantum solutions.