Operations & Grants Manager — Remote-Eligible Policy NGO

Smart Thinking Platform Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Remote options

Pension 5%

25 days annual leave

Job summary

The Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) in London is seeking an organised Operations Manager to strengthen systems, structure and support for a six-person team. You will oversee grants, finance, governance, people and office operations, collaborating with the Executive Director to build sustainable foundations.

The role is fixed-term for 12 months, with potential for extension; the team envisages January 2027 start.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations, finance processes or organisational systems in small charity/think tank context.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills with attention to detail and ability to work with limited supervision.
• Experience with budgets, financial controls and external accountants/financial administration.
• Experience coordinating governance, contracts and donor reporting, including EU or institutional funding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee grants and project delivery, budgets, reporting and donor liaison.
• Manage day-to-day finance, invoicing, sub-grants, payroll liaison and bookkeeping coordination.
• Prepare organisational budgets with ED and accountants; monitor cash flow and provide clear financial information to ED/Board.
• Maintain records for governance, HR, legal and grants; develop operating procedures and MEL (monitoring, evaluation and learning).
• Coordinate Board meetings and communications; ensure compliance and audit readiness.

Skills

Operations management

Budgeting & financial controls

Grant & donor management

Governance & compliance

People & HR administration

Project planning & reporting

Event logistics

Stakeholder engagement

EU funding experience

Policy/HR knowledge

Tools

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace

QuickBooks

Job description

The Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) in London is seeking an organised Operations Manager to strengthen systems, structure and support for a six-person team. You will oversee grants, finance, governance, people and office operations, collaborating with the Executive Director to build sustainable foundations.

The role is fixed-term for 12 months, with potential for extension; the team envisages January 2027 start.