Chief Operating Officer

About Us

Sei is the first parallelized layer 1 blockchain. By re-writing the most widely adopted execution environment in Web3, Sei is setting a new standard in blockchain performance and scalability. Apps on Sei benefit from both the performance of web2 and the decentralization and sovereignty of web3. For more detailed information visit Sei’s official website.

About the role

The Sei Development Foundation is seeking a highly strategic Chief Operating Officer. The COO is the operational ED, a seasoned executive who owns the company’s day-to-day business operations, translates strategy into execution, and is accountable for the performance of core business functions. Where the ED focuses externally (fundraising, vision, key partnerships), the COO runs the internal engine, leading operations, people, finance, compliance, and is accountable for key results.

Responsibilities

Business Operations Leadership

• Own the operational performance of the company, including delivery, finance, operations, compliance, legal, and people operations

• Set and hold accountability for OKRs and KPIs across all functions

• Build scalable processes as the company moves from early-stage to growth-stage

Team Leadership

• Directly manage functional leads across operations, finance, legal/compliance, and potentially product or BD

• Drive organizational design decisions in partnership with the ED

• Recruit, develop, and retain senior talent across the business

Financial & Compliance Oversight

• Own the operating budget and P&L in partnership with finance

• Ensure regulatory and compliance requirements are met across all jurisdictions – especially important in a web3 context with evolving regulatory frameworks across the US, EU, Asia, and emerging markets

• Oversee relationships with legal counsel and key vendors

Strategy Execution

• Partner with ED to translate vision and business objectives into operational roadmaps

• Lead post-investment or post-partnership integration efforts

• Represent the company externally with institutional partners and regulators where appropriate

Web3-Specific Scope

• Oversee tokenomics operations, treasury management, and on-chain governance processes where applicable

• Manage exchange listing operations, custodian relationships, and on/off-ramp partnerships

• Ensure cross-border payment and settlement operations are compliant and efficient

What You’ll Bring

• 10+ years of experience in operations, with at least 4+ in a senior leadership role

• Track record of scaling a startup through a growth inflection point (Series A → B, or equivalent)

• Deep familiarity with web3 infrastructure, DeFi, or fintech regulatory environments

• Experience managing globally distributed teams, ideally with exposure to EOR structures and multi-jurisdiction compliance

• Strong financial acumen; you can read a P&L and challenge a budget