Founding Operator?
Talk to James

I'm a dynamic generalist who's worked in-house at startups and agency-side across diverse roles: customer service, operations, team leadership, and CRM. I'm just as comfortable solving hard problems with a team, building partnerships, being client-facing, and building systems. I think from first principles, learn fast, and bring exactly the product + CS + AM mix you need to own Jill's post-sale experience.

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Don't miss the versatile operator with the exact skill mix this role demands

I care deeply about this problem. Recruitment is broken for so many people. I've watched close friends and partners have terrible experiences that crushed their self-worth. I'm a dynamic generalist who learns fast, thinks from first principles, and thrives with high-performing teams. I've worked in-house at startup brands and agency-side, across a wide range of roles before specializing in CRM and lifecycle marketing. That breadth, combined with managing 40+ D2C brands (£10k/month to £3M/month) and leading teams, makes me perfectly suited for a role that requires product thinking, CS excellence, and operational versatility. Plus, I'm right next door to your office.

How I work

1.

Own the entire customer journey

At Elliot Digital, I managed onboarding, strategy, execution, and ongoing optimization for 40+ brands. I didn't just execute, I owned outcomes. That's exactly what this Founding Operator role needs: someone who can own Jill's post-sale experience end-to-end.

2.

Build systems that scale

I've built operations at an agency, managed a team of 3, and created frameworks for my consultancy. I focus on repeatable processes, not one-off solutions. I build infrastructure that scales as the business grows.

3.

Think from first principles

I approach problems by understanding core unit economics, contribution margins, and what actually drives profitability, not just revenue vanity metrics. Industry leaders have recognized me for "understanding D2C from first principles." I bring this same analytical rigor to everything.

Why I'm the perfect fit

🎯 Product + CS + AM DNA

I've optimized customer journeys (product thinking), managed 40+ client relationships (CS), and owned renewals/upsells (AM). This role requires all three. I've done all three.

⚡ Proven Generalist

From customer service to team leadership to building agency operations. I've done it all. I'm T-shaped: deep in retention marketing, broad enough to jump into whatever the business needs.

🚀 Startup Operator DNA

I'm obsessively entrepreneurial (currently building my own consultancy), but I'm willing to put this on pause for a generational AI startup. I thrive in ambiguity, rapid iteration, and early-stage environments where you have to figure things out. I understand what it takes to operate in zero-to-one mode.

🤖 Daily AI User

I use AI tools daily for efficiency, strategic thinking, and introspection. I've loved mocking up my own AI pages and basic apps lately (though I'm not a strong coder). I understand the power of AI agents and I'm energized by building the future of AI-powered hiring.

📊 Systems Thinker

I don't just solve individual problems. I build processes that scale. From leading a team at an agency to building my consultancy, I create repeatable frameworks.

🎓 Broad D2C Exposure

Working with 40+ brands (£10k/month to £3M/month) across supplements, CPG, and subscriptions gave me pattern recognition across tech stacks, operations, scaling challenges, and what separates winners from losers.

What people say 💌

"It's rare I meet someone who understands D2C from first principles and you clearly do."

D2C Brand Owner (8-figures in 2 years profitably)

"James is an extremely gifted marketer and a joy to work with."

Former Department Head at 8-Figure D2C brand

"James is an excellent marketer. He is a problem-solver, always bringing ideas to the table. His enthusiasm, focus and dedication, both to his role and in the wider team, have been invaluable."

Head of Growth, 8-Figure Brand

"From day one James was proactive, positive and highly efficient. He is an excellent communicator and a great team player."

Head of Creative, 8-Figure Brand

Why this role excites me

Perfect skill intersection: Product thinking, CS excellence, AM experience, and operator mindset. This role sits exactly where my background lives.

AI-first future: Building the future of hiring with AI agents alongside brilliant people using cutting-edge tech to solve real problems.

High-caliber team: 10 ex-founders, Palantir/Microsoft Research veterans, zero-to-double digit millions ARR experience, backed by Europe's best VCs.

Perfect timing: 7 months old, $20M seed from Creandum, revenue ramping. Early enough for massive impact, late enough for momentum.

Evolving role: You're hiring generalists because the role will change as the company scales. I love that. I want to grow with the company.

Ownership & impact: Reporting directly to the founder, owning Jill's post-sale experience from day one. This is the responsibility I've been seeking.

Talk to James

Let's discuss how I can help build Jill