CEO Associate | Strategy & Operations

About IS-Wireless

IS-Wireless is a European deep-tech and dual-use company developing software-defined mobile networking technologies for resilient, secure and efficient communications. With offices in Poland and the Netherlands, we are a NATO DIANA company and a member of the Dutch 6G Future Networks Services programme.

The Role

We are looking for an ambitious business generalist to work directly with the CEO across strategy, commercial development, investor-related activities, partnerships and internal execution.

You will research opportunities, prepare recommendations and help turn decisions into completed projects. Alongside analytical work, you will coordinate actions across teams, follow up on commitments and take increasing ownership of selected initiatives. This is a hands-on business position, not an executive assistant role.

The role could suit someone moving from VC, Big Four advisory or consulting into an operating role, or someone with business experience in a technology startup or scaleup who wants broader responsibility and closer involvement in company building.

You do not need to arrive as a ready-made Chief of Staff. The role is designed to grow with you, with the potential to develop towards Chief of Staff and, over time, broader operating leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse customers, partners, investors, competitors and markets to help the CEO assess strategic opportunities.

• Prepare financial models, draft budgets and business cases to support business decisions.

• Prepare concise decision memos, presentations and meeting materials, with clear findings and recommendations.

• Turn CEO decisions into action items, owners and deadlines, and follow up on progress.

• Coordinate selected cross-functional projects across Sales, Product, Technology, Finance and Operations, taking greater ownership as you learn the business.

• Manage and improve business processes, building operational systems and applying Total Quality Management (TQM) and Kaizen principles.

• Coordinate company-wide planning, budgeting and other activities that require input and follow-through across teams.

• Prepare the CEO for key meetings, negotiations and external engagements.

• Join selected meetings and take responsibility for agreed follow-up and implementation.

• Maintain visibility on company priorities and milestones, flagging blockers and execution gaps early.

• Gradually take full ownership of selected strategic initiatives and internal projects.

What We Expect

• Relevant experience in VC, Big Four advisory, consulting, strategy or a business role in a technology startup or scaleup. Experience in startup operations, business development or cross-functional projects is particularly relevant.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn complex information into a clear conclusion or recommendation.

• Good organisation and follow-through: you can manage your tasks, coordinate with others and keep commitments visible.

• Excellent communication skills, including speaking, writing and presenting.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

• Excellent financial modelling skills, including preparing budgets and business cases.

• The ability to learn unfamiliar business and technology topics quickly, ask useful questions and seek input when needed.

• The willingness to work with senior executives, customers, investors and partners.

• Initiative, discretion and a willingness to take on practical work as well as analysis.

• Interest in deep-tech, telecom, defence, dual-use technology or critical infrastructure is a strong advantage.

IS-Wireless DNA

Loyalty and team spirit. Sincerity and openness. Courage and ambition. A “How can I help?” attitude. Willingness to leave the comfort zone. Zero latency — no procrastination, no avoidable waiting, no unfinished commitments.

What Success Looks Like

• The CEO has clear analysis and well-prepared materials ahead of important meetings and decisions.

• Priorities translate into actions with owners, deadlines and visible progress.

• Cross-functional projects move forward, with blockers identified and addressed early.

• You become a trusted execution partner and increasingly own selected projects independently.

• Your responsibilities can develop towards Chief of Staff as your contribution grows and company needs evolve.

What We Offer

• Direct work with the CEO and exposure to the strategic decisions of a European deep-tech company.

• The opportunity to move from analysing businesses to helping build and operate one, or to broaden the scope of your existing startup experience.

• Practical learning across strategy, customers, investors, technology and company building.

• Meaningful responsibility from the start, with scope to own larger initiatives as you develop.

• A potential path towards Chief of Staff and broader operating leadership responsibilities, based on performance and company needs.

• International work across Poland, the Netherlands and the wider European defence and technology ecosystem.