Chief of Staff

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PNO Innovation is a fast-scaling consultancy powerhouse operating in 10 European countries. Backed by private equity and driven by a buy-and-build strategy, we're seeking a dynamic Chief of Staff to support our Board in shaping and executing our growth vision. Based in Barcelona or Rome (NL also possible), you'll be at the heart of strategic decisions, M&A projects, and performance optimization across our group.

What are you going to do?

Support the Board of PNO Innovation by translating strategy into action, enhancing our readiness for future milestones, and ensuring operational alignment across entities. This is a high-impact role for a top-tier performer with sharp analytical skills and a hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit.

Drive the strategic agenda with the CEO and Board across countries and business lines
Lead operational readiness for key milestones: refinancing, investments,etc
Support M&A pipeline: target screening, due diligence, integration
Develop KPIs and performance dashboards to steer group-level success

Deliver data-backed recommendations on priorities and business growth
Ensure consistency and alignment across newly integrated entities
Facilitate cross-team initiatives and knowledge sharing
Coordinate special strategic projects with high visibility

Do you have any questions about this position? I’d love to tell you more about it! Please contact me.

What do we offer you?

Be part of a bold growth story, backed by private equity
Work directly with the Board and CEO—true seat at the table
Hybrid flexibility and cross-border collaboration
Culture built on trust, excellence, and entrepreneurship

Strong values: be your best self, embrace innovation, celebrate success together
Engagement-driven workplace with mentoring, onboarding, and e-learning programs
Access to leadership development, English coaching, and mental well-being support
You’ll shape what “great” looks like at the heart of Europe’s innovation ecosystem

About you

Master’s degree in Business, Strategy, Finance or related field (MBA is a plus)
5–8+ years in strategy consulting, corporate development or similar high-impact roles
Strong M&A exposure (buy-side/sell-side, integration, due diligence)
Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communicator, confident at Board level
Pragmatic, adaptable, and entrepreneurial in a fast-changing setting
Experience in international, culturally diverse environments
Fluent in English; additional European languages a plus

About us

PNO Innovation is the leading innovation and funding consultancy in Europe. With our broad sector expertise, generative AI tools and more than 40 years of experience in national and European grants, we help give space to good ideas and make innovation happen.

PNO Innovation employs more than 600 professionals across offices throughout Europe: Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK. What started more than 40 years ago as a student project in the Netherlands has grown into a European industry leader with a focus on creating sustainable impact.