Head of Operations

Project Tempo; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Office closure between Christmas and N

Job summary

Project Tempo, a European think tank with hybrid work options in London and Berlin, seeks a Head of Operations to lead day-to-day operations and optimise systems. You will work with the MD and Finance Director, manage consultants and grants, and support the Board and Advisory Council to drive a simpler, more effective organisation.

The role combines hands-on management with strategic process improvements, including responsible use of AI, to strengthen governance, compliance and overall

Qualifications

• Hands-on operations experience in non-profit/philanthropic or grant-funded settings.
• Proven ability to streamline processes without creating bureaucracy.
• Experience with grant administration (maker or recipient).
• Comfort working with senior colleagues, boards, funders and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Run day-to-day operations and anticipate needs.
• Manage contracts with consultants and suppliers, including events.
• Coordinate payments, expenses, financial records, controls and audit support.
• Administer grants—budgets, reports, due diligence.
• Oversee sub-grants, due diligence and contracting.
• Act as secretariat to Board and Advisory Council.

Skills

Operations management

Non-profit sector

Grant administration

Governance & compliance

Stakeholder management

AI & automation

Education

Experience in grants or philanthropic work

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Location: UK-based, with flexible hybrid working

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Reports to: Managing Director

About Project Tempo

Project Tempo is a European think tank. We address the structural barriers to resilient, growing, and clean economies. We do this through political economy research, thought leadership, convening and the development of practical solutions.

Our team is hybrid, with remote working and offices in London and Berlin. We are seeking to strengthen our operations function as the organisation grows.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to develop and own our operations function. The role is broad and hands-on. You will oversee Project Tempo's day-to-day operations, working with the Managing Director and Finance Director to make our processes simpler and better. You will also support our Board and Advisory Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Run day-to-day operations, anticipating needs and fixing issues as they arise.


• Manage contracts for consultants and suppliers, including events.


• Coordinate payments, expenses, financial records, controls and audit requirements, in collaboration with the Finance Director.


• Manage the grants we receive, including administering grant agreements, budgets, funder reports and supporting funder due diligence.


• Administer the sub-grants we make, including conducting due diligence, contracting, monitoring and record-keeping in line with our policies.


• Act as secretariat to the Board and Advisory Council, overseeing meeting schedules, paper drafting, minutes and actions.


• Improve, simplify and automate our systems, including through the effective and responsible use of AI.


• Support the Managing Director with organisational governance, including compliance with statutory requirements, insurance and data protection.

What You Bring

• Hands-on operations experience, ideally in the non-profit, philanthropic or grant-funded sector.


• A track record of improving systems and processes, without adding bureaucracy.


• Experience with grant administration, either as a grant maker or recipient.


• Confidence working with senior colleagues, board members, funders, advisers and external partners.


• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.


• Sound judgement when handling sensitive or confidential matters.


• A practical and collaborative approach, with a willingness to take ownership.


• Experience managing people, or the willingness to learn.

Helpful but not essential: Experience supporting a Board; working internationally; and using AI, automation or workflow tools to improve operations.

What we Offer

• An opportunity to develop and own a key function in a growing organisation.


• Scope to build a small team over time.


• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.


• 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays.


• Office closure between Christmas and New Year.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We will make reasonable adjustments during recruitment.