Associate to the CEO

About Us

Odqa is a breakthrough company in solar thermal energy generation, spun out of the University of Oxford and co-founded by jet engine pioneer Prof. Peter Ireland. The company develops systems that replace fossil fuels with clean heat, achieving up to 800 °C in real-world applications. Team members work at the intersection of advanced thermofluids, renewable energy, and industrial-scale deployment, contributing directly to climate solutions. The organisation values innovation, rigorous engineering, and practical impact in the field.

Our customers are in the mining, metals, cement and ceramics sectors and our technology has a potential to change the way these sectors operate. Our target geographies are in Southern Europe, Middle East, North Africa and Australia and there may be opportunities for travel depending on business need.

The Role

Odqa is hiring an Associate to the CEO to work directly with the CEO and senior leadership team. You'll own defined projects from start to finish, keep the leadership team's priorities on track, and support in addressing the company's most pressing strategic challenges as they arise.

The role suits someone with 2-4 years of experience who is highly organised, confident with numbers and writing, and wants to learn how a company is built. You'll work closely with senior management, customers, investors and partners, and the role will grow as Odqa does.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the operating rhythm: prepare and co-ordinate agendas for leadership and team meetings, track actions and follow up so decisions turn into progress.
• Own priority projects: take on responsibility for customer and investor research / follow up to leverage the CEO. Gaining greater commercial traction and raising investment are the key priorities for Odqa as we scale. 
• Make the CEO more effective: manage priorities and time, prepare briefings before key meetings, and draft first versions of important communications.
• Keep track of the numbers: maintain non-financial KPIs and dashboards, and flag where things are off track.
• Set up how things work: build the tools, templates and processes the company needs, from CRM hygiene to contract tracker.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of experience in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organisation and interpersonal skills
• Clear, concise writing and confidence with spreadsheets, presentations etc.
• Able to get to grips with technical material quickly
• Self-starter who creates momentum without being asked
• Good judgement about what matters, and comfort asking questions when you're unsure
• UK right to work

Desirable

• Experience in an early-stage company or founder-led team

Details

Level: Associate to the CEO

Reporting to: CEO

Location: Oxford / Hybrid (expected in Oxford office 3 days per week)

Duration: Permanent & full time

Salary: Competitive (based on experience level), participation in staff share options scheme