Full job description

Do you want to play a key role in strengthening operational effectiveness within a respected international organisation?

We are recruiting an experienced Operations & Business Services Manager to provide strategic oversight across operational services, contracts, partnerships, governance and business support functions.

This is a varied and influential role that sits at the heart of the organisation, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring robust systems, processes and controls are in place to support organisational objectives and strengthen organisational resilience.

Working closely with senior leaders, global teams and external partners, you will drive continuous improvement, support effective decision-making and help ensure operational services continue to meet the needs of staff and stakeholders in a rapidly changing environment.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, leading on key operational priorities whilst identifying opportunities to strengthen organisational effectiveness, mitigate risk and improve ways of working across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Operations and Organisational Effectiveness

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of operational systems, policies, processes and tools.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen controls and enhance organisational effectiveness.
• Support organisational planning, budget management and performance monitoring.
• Use operational insights, business intelligence and performance data to support decision-making.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic organisational priorities.

Contracts, Partnerships and Supplier Management

• Lead on organisational contract management and oversight.
• Support donor, partner and supplier contracting processes.
• Manage partnership due diligence requirements and ensure compliance with organisational policies.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships and oversee service performance.
• Support procurement activity, contract renewals and supplier reviews.

Governance, Compliance and Risk Management

• Support the development, implementation and review of organisational policies and procedures.
• Maintain operational risk registers and support effective risk management processes.
• Ensure compliance with organisational, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee insurance renewals, claims administration and broker relationships.
• Support business continuity planning and organisational resilience initiatives.
• Ensure organisational records, documentation and knowledge management systems remain accurate and up to date.

Systems and Business Support Services

• Oversee key business support services and operational systems.
• Manage and support a small team, including oversight of the organisation's IT provision.
• Ensure systems, software and operational services remain fit for purpose and support organisational needs.
• Work collaboratively across teams to improve processes, service delivery and user experience.
• Support the implementation of operational improvements and organisational change initiatives.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, motivate and develop a small team.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with teams, partners and senior leaders across the organisation's global network.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and accountability.

About You

We're looking for an experienced operational leader who can bring both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery experience.

You will ideally bring:

• Significant experience within operations, business services, corporate services or organisational development.
• Strong contract management and stakeholder management experience.
• Experience managing partnerships, suppliers and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of governance, compliance, policy development and risk management.
• Experience driving process improvement and organisational change.
• Experience managing and developing staff.
• Strong analytical, planning and organisational skills.
• The ability to build credibility and influence at senior stakeholder level.
• Experience within the charity, NGO, international development or wider not-for-profit sector would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation and play a key role in shaping how operational services are delivered. The role offers the opportunity to influence organisational effectiveness, support strategic decision-making and lead meaningful improvements that strengthen services for colleagues, partners and stakeholders.

Please apply today with your tailored CV if you feel that you meet the key requirements of this role. If your CV reflects this experience, then a member of the TPP Recruitment team will be in touch to share further details. We will otherwise let you know if you are not short-listed within 3 working days, but due to the volume of applications we receive, we unfortunately can't provide tailored feedback on each application.

• We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for yo