Chief Operating Officer

Millar Cameron; Abruzzo; Remoto; EUR 80.000 - 120.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A visionary purpose-driven organization is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to scale operations and lead the expansion of world-class schools in Africa. This role involves creating an operational framework, managing financial sustainability, and developing partnerships to transform education. Candidates with a strong background in financial management, team leadership, and experience in scaling operations are encouraged to apply. The position is remote with potential impacts on Sub-Saharan Africa.

Servizi

Competitive salary

Opportunity for significant impact in education

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Competenze

• Proven ability to scale multi-site organizations, particularly in Africa.
• Strong financial management skills including P&L management.
• Experience in process optimization and operational efficiency.

Mansioni

• Create and implement the strategic five-year plan with the CEO.
• Develop operational and financial policies for smooth organization running.
• Build and lead a high-performing team aligned with organizational values.

Conoscenze

Scaling multi-site organizations

Financial management

Process optimization

Team development

Navigating complex relationships

Strategic decision-making

Formazione

Advanced degree (MBA or similar)

Strumenti

Financial modeling tools

Descrizione del lavoro

Crucible is on a mission to redefine education at scale and needs a visionary Chief Operating Officer who can turn ambition into action. They are seeking a strategic and results-driven COO to scale its operations, drive financial sustainability, and lead the expansion of world-class schools across Africa.

Location: Remote - Sub Saharan Africa Ref A002855

Crucible is a purpose-driven organization committed to transforming education in Sub-Saharan Africa by establishing 100 world-class secondary schools by 2045. With the launch of its first academy, Crucible Lusaka, in February 2025, it aims to equip the next generation of African leaders with exceptional education.

About the role

You will shape a robust operational framework that can be replicated across multiple schools, ensuring seamless execution while fostering long-term sustainability. This role demands a leader who can architect and implement systems that drive efficiency, align teams, and support rapid expansion. You must be comfortable operating in the complexity of a start-up—balancing structure with adaptability, wearing multiple hats while building a high-performing team.

With a strong foundation in finance and strategy, you will leverage data-driven decision-making to optimize resources, improve performance, and ensure measurable impact. Financial modeling will be second nature to you, allowing you to assess initial costs, track ongoing performance, and inform strategic growth. You will have the commercial instincts to manage budgets effectively, drive profitability, and ensure operations run with precision.

Beyond execution, this role is deeply external facing. You will engage with NGOs, Boards of Directors, and key stakeholders, forging partnerships that strengthen Crucible’s ability to bridge the "Youth Dividend" gap and create lasting local impact. You will also be responsible for embedding cutting-edge technology into operations, ensuring that the organization is not just keeping up with trends but setting new standards for efficiency and agility.

Key dimensions of the role

Lead internal operations

• Work in partnership with the CEO to create the strategic five-year plan and implement new processes and approaches to achieve it.
• Perform financial modeling to inform Crucible’s planned expansion.
• Develop and implement operational, administrative, and financial policies and procedures that ensure the smooth running of the organization.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, setting clear goals and expectations, providing regular feedback, and creating a positive and engaging culture aligned with Crucible’s values.
• Manage and optimize the organization’s resources, including staffing, equipment, and technology, to ensure effective and efficient use.
• Support fundraising efforts through the development and implementation of systems for reporting, measurement, and supporting local revenue generation.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including data privacy and workplace safety regulations.

Support Crucible schools to deliver outstanding performance

• Support the leadership team of Crucible Lusaka (and future schools) to ensure operational efficiency and prudent use of resources.
• Track schools’ financial, operational, and performance targets in collaboration with local boards.
• Develop standard operating procedures and identify technology platforms to facilitate the development, launch, and operations of future schools.
• Promote information sharing across the Crucible network.

Lead operations for future Crucible schools

• Work with the CEO to develop an analytical framework to assess the suitability of candidate sites for future schools.
• Support the CEO to develop key public and private sector relationships in countries prioritized for future schools.
• When a new site is approved and resourced, oversee all activities to develop and launch a new school, including:
• Creating a plan to deliver the site and operations.
• Design, construction, and procurement.
• Recruitment of academic and non-academic staff.
• Ensuring regulatory setup and legal compliance.
• Updating a manual of "best practice" approaches for future schools or projects.

Skills and experience

Essential skills & experience :

• Proven ability to scale multi-site organizations, particularly in Africa, with a track record of driving growth and operational efficiency.
• Strong financial management skills, including P&L management, financial modeling, budgeting, and revenue strategies.
• Expertise in process optimization, governance, and organizational efficiency to support rapid expansion.
• Experience in building, leading, and developing high-performing teams, fostering an entrepreneurial and mission-driven culture.
• Ability to navigate complex relationships with public and private sectors, including governments, investors, and education networks.
• Broad experience across finance, HR, IT, and marketing, with strategic and operational capabilities.
• Strong judgment, creativity, and analytical skills for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
• Background in strategy consulting, accounting, or financial management.
• Experience in education, non-profits, or mission-driven organizations.
• Advanced degree (MBA or similar) preferred.

We encourage candidates who may not meet every qualification to apply, as diversity and inclusion are important to us.

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