Erosion of role could lead to redundancy?

[averages]

In short, I am a senior person in a very unpredictable start-up environment. I've been here for approx 14 months or so. The environment could be described as hugely unprofessional & hiding behind the 'we're a start-up badge so anything goes'. My work, output & quality have been regularly commended by the COO as superb, I'm regularly called out positively in town halls & the things I do are empirical. My small team respect me & people are often well recognising in my capability in my role & across others subject matter expertise. I'm a nice guy & personally 'liked' by many, my reputation & background speak for themselves.

Over the last six months I believe I'm experiencing role-erosion. I believe because of my huge salary, (the company is struggling with cash) a new CFO who has taken an immediate dislike to me & has basically suggested 'what do we pay him for' type of conversation, & forcing the notion of I'm an unnecessary expense. The COO has a tendency of listening to whoever shouts loudest. I have no evidence this has happened, its simply a gut feel.

Over the last six months (considering my seniority) folk who used to talk to me daily now dont, in fact I'd say they look sheepish or embarrassed, my counsel is now no longer sought, and key activities that were once my responsibility now simply are not. This has all happened pretty slowly.

I've had one half-direct conversation with the COO to say there's a risk I'm being turned into an expensive paperweight but this seemingly fell on deaf ears. The company is in quite a lot of turmoil & I probably dont think I'm at the heart of any massive 'get him' campaign, however, I do trust my gut & can read people, their body language & the fact I've been left to rot.

I believe they would also say about me 'he's a super smart guy & we're not going to be able to mess him around without it costing us' and besides 'he's been really good', so I think they are pretty much waiting for me to find somewhere else & leave.

Could I ask what your reading of this situation would be?

[ULA]

Being in a start-up company can have its challenges. It is difficult for me to comment on the situation from reading what you have said, however you know the role you were doing when you started compared to what you are being asked to do now.

Being a senior person, I am not sure what your contractual terms are, however you have less than 2 years service and other than if there are any potential issues around you having a protected characteristic, your employment could be terminated, even by reason of redundancy "fairly". In the latter case no redundancy payment would be due to lack of service unless there is a clause to the contrary in your contract.

A suggestion may be for you to arrange a time with the COO and let them know the agenda is specifically to talk about your role and progression and see if that leads to a better understanding. It may force a frank discussion and which might give you a better idea of where your role is positioned in the future plans of the company.