Every startup has a set of roles which need to be filled in order for the company to progress and succeed. Each employee in a startup company should be able to offer different knowledge, expertise and perspective to help the business thrive. Startup companies should be looking for individuals with a passion to grow the business and with experience in management, finance snd marketing alongside customer service or relations.
Below are the key roles which a startup should look to fill in order to get the business off the ground:
Founder
Each new business should have a founder, or multiple founders, at the helm to get the business going. The founder is the individual who has the original idea for the company and is prepared to work hard to implement it.
The founder will also be in charge of hiring the other employees, electing people who they believe will share their vision and desire to grow the company. The founder carries the most responsibility in the beginning, and also has the final word on any major decisions which need to be made.
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operations Officer
The CEO and COO of the company are the top executives involved in the decision making process. These roles should be filled by individuals with experience in the industry that the company is specialising in and should be strong and capable leaders. Interestingly, some companies and startups may actually look to recruit a CEO or COO (source: Redstone Commodity Search), as finding the perfect candidate for the role can accelerate a company’s growth and progress.
Other employees within the company will look to them for advice and guidance as these are the most senior positions within the company.
Product & Project Manager
A startup company will need to have a clear direction, with products that have been carefully constructed for a specific target audience. The Product Manager will be in charge of all product development and strategy which is crucial in order to get a business off the ground.
The Project Manager will be in charge of organising the workflow, working alongside the Product Manager to ensure all processes are clear.
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Chief Technology Officer
The CTO of any company will be in charge of all technical processes involved in a company, defining strategy, tools and processes. Like the Project Manager, the Chief Technology Officer will have to coordinate workflows for those working underneath them to ensure that everything runs smoothly and there are no technological issues.
Chief Marketing Officer
The CMO of a company will be in charge of the digital marketing. This is more important than ever in the 21st century as many consumers search online for potential products or services, meaning that a digital presence is more important than ever before and can help determine the success of a startup company.
The CMO should be aware of how to create an online presence alongside how to conduct a successful marketing campaign.
Communication Manager
A Communication Manager will be the voice of the company on all social media platforms. They can help to recruit influencers and coordinate campaigns with the CMO.
Client Support Manager
The Client Support Manager will be responsible for dealing with any customer queries or complaints. This role is crucial within startup companies as businesses in their early stages will need to perfect their products or services in order to grow.
The Client Support Manager should be experienced in Customer Services, capable of handling any issues in a professional manner.
Financial Manager
The Financial Manager can also be replaced with a General Business Administrator or Accountant based on the company. They should be in charge of delegating tax paying, salaries and client communications to the other employees. If a company receives investments, this role will be crucial as the FM will be responsible for a large amount of funding.
