⭐ Chief of Staff (Operator) — GrabOn / SellersCommerce
A role written from real experience — not from a template.
Let me be honest from the start.
This role has been shaped by what we’ve learned the hard way.
We’ve hired people who were smart, qualified, well-intentioned - yet the role didn’t work for them because the reality of this job is different from what traditional “Chief of Staff” positions look like.
So this JD is written with clarity, respect, and transparency - so the right people can see themselves here, and the wrong ones can self-select out early.
What This Role Actually Is
This is not a purely strategic job.
This is not calendar management, presentation polishing, or being a shadow decision-maker.
This is not a title-driven role.
This is the job where you :
- Step into broken or unclear areas and bring structure
- Hold teams accountable in a healthy, respectful way
- Solve problems before they turn into fires
- Bring operational clarity where things are moving fast
- Help the founder by taking over execution-heavy responsibilities
- Build repeatable systems so that things stop breaking
- Earn trust through action, not theory
If you enjoy being the stabilizer in fast-moving environments, this is where you will thrive.
A Glimpse of Week 1 (Realistic, Not Exaggerated)
Help fix a vendor or partner issue that needs immediate attentionUntangle a workflow that’s slowing down customer deliveryMediate a team misunderstanding so execution doesn’t slipBuild or refine a dashboard the founder needs the next morningCoordinate a last-minute product or ops push while keeping other priorities on trackIf this sounds overwhelming, that’s okay - this role isn’t for everyone.
If this sounds energizing because you like solving messy problems, you’ll fit right in.
Who This Will NOT Suit
This role is probably not right for you if :
Most of your recent experience is in large, structured organizationsYou prefer long planning cycles and polished, predictable environmentsYou are uncomfortable with fast decision-making and quick context switchingYou avoid direct conversations or tough feedbackYou want to advise more than executeYou like clear, pre-defined boundaries around your workThere is absolutely nothing wrong with this - but this specific role requires a very different rhythm.
Who WILL Thrive Here
You will do exceptionally well here if :
You’ve worked in early-stage or high-growth startupsYou genuinely enjoy figuring things out without perfect informationYou like the feeling of “give me the mess, I’ll sort it”You stay calm when things are urgentYou can push back respectfully when neededYou value honesty and clarity in communicationYou prefer solving problems over discussing themYou can manage 8–10 different priorities without losing momentumYou are self-driven and comfortable being in the deep endThis role suits someone who sees themselves as an operator first — someone who makes things work.
Non-Negotiable Requirements
1. Real Startup Execution Experience
Not theory.
Not consulting slides.
Actual hands-on experience solving operational problems.
2. Ability to Fix Things Fast
Show us examples of stepping into a broken or unclear area and bringing order within a month.
3. Ability to Handle Direct, Clear Communication
The founder moves fast, communicates plainly, and values truth over tone - but always with respect.
4. Ability to Work Across Multiple Functions
Operations, delivery, CS, HR, finance, product - whatever the day needs.
5. Resilience, Self-Awareness, and Ownership
You don’t take things personally.
You take responsibility for outcomes.
You can adjust quickly and keep the bigger picture in mind.
What Success Looks Like (30–60–90 Days)
30 Days — Understand & Stabilize
Get a clear view of how things workTake ownership of 2–3 small but important problemsBuild trust with the teamBring initial structure where neededUnderstand the founder’s expectations and communication style60 Days — Drive Execution
Own multiple areas independentlyMake decisions without waiting for directionBuild accountability rhythmsHandle tough conversations with maturity and fairnessEnsure fewer issues reach the founder90 Days — Become a Force Multiplier
Run 60–70% of execution with confidenceImprove SLAs, CS, delivery timelines, and operational hygieneReduce chaos and increase predictabilityFree up significant founder time for strategic workDemonstrate measurable impact and long-term potentialThe Truth
This role is not easy.It asks a lot from you - and it gives a lot back in growth.You will learn more in a year here than many people learn in three.You will see the inside of how companies are built - the good, the bad, and everything in between.If you’re wired for this kind of work, this will be one of the most meaningful roles of your career.If you’re not, that’s completely okay - better to know now rather than after joining.If you read this and thought, “This actually sounds like me,” then I’m looking forward to meeting you.How to Apply (send email to hr@grabon.in or hr@sellerscommerce.com)
To ensure you are detail-oriented :
Attach your resume in PDF format.In your cover letter / email, answer this specific question : "Describe a time you created a process that everyone hated at first but eventually saved the company time / money."Subject line must read : "I am the Operator you are looking for."