Chief Operating Officer (COO) / General Manager - AI-Native Operator

Role Overview

This senior leadership position is not about traditional operational management but focuses on constructing and advancing operational frameworks for Single Grain, transforming it into a highly disciplined, AI-integrated company. The COO drives simultaneous outcomes including operational precision, stringent financial management, and comprehensive AI-native organizational change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the company's operational infrastructure including company-wide rhythms, weekly reviews, quarterly planning, leadership accountability, and KPI monitoring.
• Lead the AI-driven transformation of workflows, promoting AI fluency across teams, facilitating AI training and adoption, automating repetitive processes, and encouraging development of autonomous workflows.
• Implement and uphold rigorous financial discipline by enforcing budget controls, ensuring margin awareness, accurate forecasting, and cost management.
• Establish and enforce documented core processes, operational standards, and accountability systems ensuring consistent adherence across teams.
• Serve as the integrative force across leadership, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, resolving operational issues, removing bottlenecks, and ensuring alignment to accelerate company progress.

Success Metrics

• Achieve at least 75% of staff as adaptive AI users within 12-18 months.
• Widespread adoption of AI-driven workflows company-wide.
• Fully implemented operational rhythms with greater than 90% SLA adherence in delivery teams.
• Enhanced financial transparency and control with improved budgeting processes.
• Accelerated execution of cross-functional projects and reduced operational delays.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record leading organizational scale and operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong systems thinker focused on infrastructure development rather than routine task management.
• Experience with AI tools and automation to enhance productivity and streamline operations.
• High analytical ability and commitment to operational rigor and clarity.
• Proactive enforcer of processes and financial discipline in dynamic environments.

Unsuitable Backgrounds

• Candidates focused on maintaining current operational setups rather than innovating new systems.
• Those who avoid operational enforcement or conflict and rely excessively on meetings.
• Individuals uncomfortable with AI adoption or automation technologies.
• Applicants inclined to theoretical strategies over practical execution.

Company Context

Single Grain is a digital growth company that integrates services, software, and AI, distinct from traditional agencies. Its portfolio includes enterprise digital marketing services such as SEO, paid media, creative, CRO, and AI-based growth strategy as well as proprietary AI-powered platforms like ClickFlow for content optimization and Karrot for performance marketing. The company is transitioning into a tech-enabled service provider combining software, automation, and service delivery.

Hiring Process

Candidates will undergo a COO Operations Challenge assessing operational system design, AI transformation strategy, financial discipline, leadership approach, and strategic decision-making. Generic or non-substantive responses will not be accepted.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range between $185,000 and $225,000 depending on experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective after one month of employment.
• 401(k) plan with full company match up to 4% of salary.
• $50,000 life insurance fully covered by the company.
• Twelve weeks of paid family leave after one year.
• Flexible unlimited paid time off policy.
• $100 monthly utilities stipend ($50 paid each paycheck).
• $60 monthly UberEats credit.
• Company-provided MacBook, keyboard, and mouse.
• $500 reimbursement for home office setup.