Overview
Significant strides are being made in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) thanks to advances in autonomy. They are playing an increasingly vital role across all industries, including offering a powerful and versatile means of automating data gathering processes and workflows - which makes data gathering operations faster, cheaper and safer. StirlingX exploits these advances in UAV technologies to provide best-in-class data services and fleet solutions, enabling the end user to gather and digest high-quality data without the complexity, cost, time and risks of designing, owning and running a fleet of UAVs.
About StirlingX
StirlingX is a newly formed company within GALLOS Technologies, an investor and venture builder (and partner of TPC) focused on security technologies with dual use commercial and government applications.
StirlingX is uniquely positioned to design and deploy best-in-class, mission-aligned, secure UAV fleets with integrated software solutions for complex environments. Whether clients are looking to deploy an in-house data gathering UAV fleet, or outsource their entire data program via a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution, they can capitalise on our exceptional understanding of the technologies, applications, regulations, accreditations, and security standards necessary to enable efficient and effective data gathering and management.
As the UK’s only UAV integrator and DaaS provider, StirlingX is proud to provide unparalleled UAV data solutions and services for public and private sector clients in both in the UK internationally.
About the role
To date, the strategy for StirlingX has been developed by the GALLOS core team, supported by industry expert consultants. Pre-seed funding has also been secured, and we have an early pipeline of prospects.
We are now looking for an experienced CEO to join our team and lead the company to success.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in growing a business from the ground up, either in a start-up, scaleup, or as part of a new business within a more established organisation. You will be passionate about new ways of gathering and managing data, plus bring a deep understanding of how advances in related technologies can create new and better ways of achieving data goals. You will also bring a strategic mindset and experience in building and managing a world class team, with a proven track record of revenue generation from selling complex solutions. Operational and financial discipline are also required.
You will be strong generalist, comfortable engaging with all aspects of go-to-market, operations and customer delivery within a fast-paced and challenging sector. You will combine strong organisational skills necessary for developing software, hardware and services and delivering customer success at scale.
You will successfully drive growth through strategic partnerships, and manage a complex network of stakeholders including customers, partners, suppliers and the wider GALLOS network. You will be emotionally astute, hiring a strong team and fostering an agile culture of innovation and collaboration to drive results.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the company’s strategy, building on the vision approved by the
Board of Directors.
- Manage and enable the product and delivery strategy, considering market trends and
needs, and bringing a strong understanding of data, SaaS and services commercial
models, and with a preference for some hardware operations experience.
- Manage the company's financial performance and ensure scalable, sustainable
growth. Set day-to-day priorities, allocate resources and pivot when necessary.
- Recruit and develop a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will be able to build
a team which shares the long-term vision of the company and fosters a
culture of teamwork, agility and excellence.
- Define and lead the company’s commercial strategy, customer acquisition approach
and go-to-market, both in the UK and for relevant international markets.
- Represent the company in the market, including public speaking and PR
opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors,
customers, and partners.
Qualifications
Required
- Business Building. Successful experience in a business building role (CEO, COO, MD) with a proven track record of building a business from the ground up, within a startup, scaleup, or as the leader of a new business within a larger organization.
- Data Innovation. Track record of delivering innovative business models and technologies, powered by innovative data strategies ideally leveraging UAVs/ autonomous vehicles. Deep understanding of data gathering and use cases, in this space across a range of commercial and government sectors.
- Go-To-Market. Successful track record in go-to-market design, plus successful implementation across brand, marketing, lead generation, sales pipeline management and customer success.
- Operations. Demonstrable experience in operational and process management in an organisation delivering complex solutions to enterprise clients, and of supply chain management for UAVs or autonomous vehicles
- Leadership. Proven leadership skills, including experience in hiring and shaping diverse, cross functional teams, and retaining, motivating, and developing talent. Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, internal communication and thought leadership.
- Financial Management. Strong financial acumen and business planning skills. P&L management experience. Good understanding of costs and revenue models in the SaaS and services space, and ability to define and manage commercial performance.
- Emotional Intelligence. Excellent self-awareness and demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Proven negotiation and conflict management skills.
Desired
- Strong understanding of UAV market trends, autonomy, and aviation regulation, and the ability to translate them into the vision and actionable objectives for the company.
- Familiarity operating in a regulated industry.
- Experience in leading complex solution sales in a commercial or public sector environment.
- Strategy consulting experience, MBA or equivalent.
Compensation
- Base Salary: £150,000 - £200,000
- Bonuses: 20% - 60% of base salary based on KPIs being met
- Equity: 2% - 10% of the company's equity (depending on salary)
- Benefits: Gallos standard benefits
Location
Remote, with regular meetings in London and some travel as needed, including international