Regional Operations Manager, Southern, Eastern and Central Countries

Regional Operations Manager, Southern, Eastern and Central Countries

Location: the location can be either in Belgium (Ieper), Italy (Rome) or Germany (Hannover), depending on the candidate.

Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time

Who we are

We honour and care for the men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten. Funded by six Member Governments, our work began with building, and now maintaining, cemeteries and memorials at over 23,000 locations all over the world.

Today, over a century after we first began, our work continues through our staff, supporters and volunteers who preserve our unique cultural, horticultural and architectural heritage and ensure that the stories of those who died are told.

About this Role and You:

Are you passionate about heritage, horticulture, and leading impactful operations across borders? Join us in a pivotal role where your expertise will help preserve and enhance some of the most historically significant sites in Europe.

You will oversee the performance and delivery of estate and horticultural operations across multiple countries (Cyprus/Germany/Greece/Italy/Malta). Working closely with local teams and senior leadership, you’ll ensure the consistent implementation of high standards, operational efficiency, and alignment with strategic goals.
Your leadership will directly impact the preservation of heritage, the effectiveness of conservation efforts, and the promotion of a culture of safety and excellence across the region.

• Champion a culture of health and safety, ensuring compliance and best practices across all estate activities.
• Support the Deputy Director in developing and executing the Area Management Plan, including prioritising and reallocating resources.
• Collaborate with senior managers to drive succession planning, workforce development, and strategic alignment.
• Monitor and analyse financial and operational performance, assisting with forecasts and planning alongside the Finance Manager.
• Identify and implement improvements to operational processes and efficiencies in support of corporate strategy.
• Provide timely and accurate management information and reporting.
• Coordinate and oversee the Area touring programme in line with strategic objectives.
• Manage horticultural maintenance programmes and contracts, with a strong focus on Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
• Build and maintain a strong network of stakeholders, partners, and regional organisations.
• Ensure CWGC is well-represented in ceremonial event planning across the SEC Area.

You will be able to demonstrate

• You are an experienced and strategic leader with a background in estates, horticulture, or operations management, ideally in a multi-country or international context.
• Your ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex projects, and uphold heritage and sustainability values sets you apart. You are also deeply committed to safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer:

• A strategic role with direct influence on the future of heritage preservation.
• Competitive salary package depending on experience and skills.
• Meal vouchers and other benefits/ sustainability vouchers based on the country of residence.
• Annual leave days along with legal additional leave days according to the conditions of the contractual agreement/ seniority and tenure of service/ country of residence.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• The opportunity to work for an internationally recognized organization with a noble mission and significant impact.

How to Apply:

Simply apply by sending us your CV and cover letter via our Career Portal, you can create a profile to keep up to date with future vacancies, as they arise.
We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is valued.