Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Permanent employee, Full-time · Berlin, Germany

What we do

Better breast cancer screening should be a universal offering to every woman in the world. Vara’s AI-powered software platform, created with screening radiologists in Germany, mitigates much of the human subjectivity associated with reading mammography results—and reduces the repetitive work screening physicians are routinely subjected to—we’re making breast cancer screening more effective, more measurable, and more accessible for everyone, everywhere. By democratizing access to early screening around the world, we deliver measurable impact backed by clinical evidence. We are partnering globally, to deliver breast cancer screening where it is needed most.
As the first company from Europe’s leading AI venture studio Merantix, Vara has grown since 2018 to become a 50-member international team. Our diverse team consists of highly motivated and ambitious entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and technology experts.
Further information can be found on our website: www.vara.ai

Your role

As the COO, you will oversee the operations of Vara across all markets, aiming to provide high-quality and affordable breast cancer screening to women worldwide. You will work closely with the headquarters in Germany as well as with Vara’s local teams in India, Egypt, and Mexico.

Key responsibilities:

Build and develop high performing local teams in Vara’s target markets:
- Hire country management in each market and assist in hiring their teams. This includes defining organizational structures in collaboration with the country leaders.
- Develop, coach, and mentor the country management and key personnel in Vara’s markets.
- Develop a team culture aligned with Vara’s global culture.
Empower and manage the local teams to deliver Vara’s offering in the respective markets:
- Manage local teams on a weekly basis through the country management.
- Develop and implement KPIs, metrics, processes, and procedures to measure operational performance.
Launch in new countries and continuously develop the launch playbook:
- Lead and execute the launch in new markets until the country management is hired and onboarded.
- Continuously develop best practices and processes to optimize launches in new markets.
Manage legal and operational risk:
- Ensure compliance with relevant international laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks associated with international operations.
Develop strategies that allow Vara to reach as many women as possible:
- Collaborate closely with the C-suite in Berlin to develop and execute strategies that drive operational excellence.

Your profile

Proven experience as a COO or in a similar senior leadership role, preferably within a fast-growing tech company or a company with extensive international operations.
Significant professional experience in emerging markets, preferably as part of a Western company.
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, with a track record of driving operational excellence and achieving business objectives.
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams across different international locations.
Analytical mindset with the ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing market conditions.
Experience in the healthcare industry is a plus.
Experience in a VC funded company is desirable.

Please submit your CV in English.

What we offer

Work flexibly
In-office? From home? Somewhere in between? Whatever you prefer.
Team Culture
We host regular team nights and events to foster company culture and cohesion.
Connect at our AI Campus
Meet some truly exceptional humans at the AI campus — home to countless inspiring startups, events, and opportunities to broaden your horizons.
Competitive salary
We regularly benchmark salaries within the tech and healthcare industry.
Develop your career
Dedicate yourself to impactful projects and have regular, meaningful career development sessions with your manager.

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About us

We are an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity. We consider all applications equally, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We strongly encourage individuals from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in tech to apply.
Additionally, we provide immigration assistance for those who need it.

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Your application

Thank you for considering a career at Vara. Please fill out the following form. In case you are experiencing problems with the document upload, mail your documents to jobs@vara.ai.