Head of Operations
With over eight hundred thousand downloads each month, DuckDB is transforming how developers work with data. From its base in Amsterdam, DuckDB Labs develops commercial tools and provides enterprise support for the software. With demand growing fast, the team is adding a Head of Operations to help scale the organization and support the next phase of growth.
DuckDB Labs was founded by data scientists Hannes Mühleisen and Mark Raasveldt. What started as a spin-off from the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science (CWI) has since evolved into a leading force in the database space. The team includes several of DuckDB’s core developers and supports a growing number of enterprise clients – including names like Goldman Sachs and Amazon – helping them integrate DuckDB into their data platforms and maximize its value.
With a team of around twenty technical experts, DuckDB Labs combines the agility of a startup with the depth of world-class engineering. Everyone contributes directly to the growth and success of what has become the world’s fastest-growing open-source database project. The environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and centered around real innovation.
In 2022, DuckDB Labs partnered with Jordan Tigani, former chief architect of Google BigQuery, to launch MotherDuck – a cloud-native spin-off based on DuckDB. MotherDuck has raised 47.5 million dollars in funding and established its European HQ in Amsterdam, strengthening ties with the local tech ecosystem. Most recently, Co-Founder and CEO Prof. Dr. Hannes Mühleisen received the Dutch Prize for ICT Research, a national award honoring groundbreaking scientific contributions.
Requirements*
- Over 8 years of experience
- Strong financial acumen
- Skilled negotiator
- Analytical mindset
- Hands-on approach
Research shows that while male candidates feel confident enough to apply when they meet about 60% of the requirements, female candidates only apply when they tick every box. So if this role has your name on it, but you’re not sure about the criteria, we still want to hear from you.
To keep growing at this pace – or faster – we need a strong operational and financial foundation. As Head of Operations, you’re key to making that happen. You’ll ensure the business runs efficiently and the team can keep its focus where it matters most.
As DuckDB Labs continues to grow, the need for streamlined day-to-day operations and consistent internal processes becomes increasingly important. The new Head of Operations will take on that responsibility, enabling the founders to focus on strategy and product development while ensuring the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes.
The role spans all operational domains, from finance and legal to HR and vendor management. The initial priority lies in building structure: determining what can be handled internally and what should be outsourced to trusted partners. In addition, the Head of Operations will help shape and strengthen client relationships by reviewing contracts, spotting bottlenecks or opportunities, and improving service delivery – often by engaging with clients in person. The role also involves daily interactions with external stakeholders such as legal advisors, landlords, and service providers.
A keen eye for detail, a clear sense of priorities, and a proactive mindset are essential for this role, which requires someone who operates independently, moves quickly, and takes full ownership. The founders offer plenty of room to shape the position in a personal way – and as the company grows, so will the scope and responsibility. The ideal candidate brings a versatile, broad, and pragmatic mindset that fits the varied nature of the role. Whether coming from a finance background with a focus on internal processes or as an operations professional with a commercial edge, decisiveness and a hands-on mentality remain integral to success.
More information?
Curious if this role is right for you? View the full job profile for more details about the responsibilities, the team, and what we're looking for in a candidate.
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