Join Our Team: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Maria 01 is one of Europe’s leading startup ecosystems, providing a thriving environment for 250+ ambitious early-stage startups, renowned investors and VCs, large enterprises and other ecosystem organisations. Maria 01 is located in the old Maria Hospital in Helsinki, Finland. 

Since its founding in 2016, Maria 01 has grown into one of Europe’s most impactful startup communities. Member and alumni companies have raised over €1 billion in funding and account for approximately 40% of all early-stage VC investments raised by Finnish startups annually. The community has also produced several major success stories - including Maria 01’s first unicorn, Linear, and other high-profile exits, such as Silo AI.

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced and highly capable Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee Maria 01’s ongoing operations and processes. This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and acting as the company’s second-in-command with full responsibility for the operational side of the business.

As COO, you will have end-to-end ownership of Maria 01’s campus operations, including real estate, facilities, membership experience, and internal operational processes. You will play a central role in ensuring the smooth daily functioning of the campus while also shaping its long-term development and growth.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how one of Europe’s most important startup campuses evolves, while working closely with an ambitious team, the leadership team, and the board.

The ultimate goal of the COO role is to secure excellence in daily campus operations, onboard the most ambitious startups into the community, and ensure a top-notch hospitality and membership experience for all stakeholders.

What You’ll Do

Lead operations strategy and execution

• Design and implement Maria 01’s operational and real estate strategy, plans, and processes

• Set comprehensive operational goals aligned with the company strategy and long-term vision

• Establish and maintain policies that promote company culture, values, and vision

Oversee daily campus operations

• Lead and oversee daily operations related to office leases, facilities, campus services, and member experience

• Oversee and execute general development and improvement projects across the campus

Governance and stakeholder management

• Be responsible for company governance, documentation, and operational compliance practices

• Manage and develop relationships with vendors

• Act as a key member of the leadership team and work closely with the board together with the CEO

External representation

• Represent Maria 01 externally by hosting visitors and international delegations

• Deliver presentations, speeches, and actively participate in relevant industry, ecosystem, and stakeholder events

  
  

Who We’re Looking For

Strong operational leadership

• Proven experience in operations, real estate, startups, or a comparable environment

• Experience working closely with a board of directors and senior leadership

Startup ecosystem mindset

• Genuine interest in the Nordic and Finnish startup ecosystem

• Ability to take concrete actions that make Maria 01 the best possible environment for startups to grow

People-focused and detail-oriented

• Strong people skills with the ability to lead teams while also working independently

• High attention to detail and a strong work ethic

• Development-oriented mindset with a self-starter attitude

Values-driven leader

• Deep understanding of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equality in company culture

Language skills

• Fluent in English

• Finnish language skills are considered a plus

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role at the heart of the Nordic startup ecosystem

• The opportunity to shape the future of one of Europe’s leading startup campuses

• Full commercial ownership with visible impact on Maria 01’s campus’ growth

• High level of ownership over your work, ambition, and results

• An ambitious, collaborative team operating from the Maria 01 Campus in Helsinki

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including extended holidays, additional insurance coverage, and more.

How to Apply

Interested in joining our team? Please send your application and salary request by January 20th, 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis and will fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate.

Please note that this position requires daily on-site presence at our campus in Helsinki. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer relocation assistance.