Operations Director - * Exclusive, Retained Assignment *

Fully Remote (UK/Europe Preferred) Executive Team

My client is a globally recognised organisation operating within the sustainability, standards and assurance sector. Working with international stakeholders, industry leaders & governance bodies, they play an important role in promoting responsible business practices globally

As the organisation enters an exciting period of growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Director to join the Executive Team & develop the systems, governance & operational framework required to support future expansion.

The Role

This is a broad leadership role spanning Operations, Technology, Governance, HR, Compliance & Risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead organisational planning & operational coordination.
• Oversee Technology, Information Governance & Operational Systems.
• Develop & improve business systems, processes & controls.
• Lead people operations, workforce planning & HR activities, working alongside external HR providers until an internal HR function is established.
• Support employees across multiple international jurisdictions whilst ensuring compliance with UK employment practices.
• Manage operational budgets, suppliers & external service providers.
• Coordinate legal, contractual & compliance requirements.
• Drive enterprise risk management & business continuity planning.
• Partner with the CEO to support Board governance & administration.
• Coordinate Board agendas, papers, actions, governance calendars & committee activities.
• Build strong relationships with Board members & senior stakeholders.

Board Governance

Board engagement is a significant element of this role. You will work closely with the CEO & an internationally diverse Board, ensuring governance processes operate effectively & supporting Executive Team decision-making.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience of:

• Working directly with Boards, Trustees or governing bodies.
• Preparing Board papers & executive-level documentation.
• Managing Board/Committee meetings.
• Governance administration & action tracking.
• Acting as a liaison between executive leadership & Board.

International Working

This is a highly international role operating within a globally distributed organisation. You will regularly engage with Executive Team members, Board representatives and stakeholders across Europe, North America and other regions.

Whilst primarily aligned to UK business hours, flexibility is required for occasional meetings outside of these hours, including evening calls to support international stakeholders and Board activities. Attendance at in-person Board meetings will also be required, with periodic travel, primarily within Europe (expenses covered).

About You

You will bring:

• Technology understanding to engage effectively with IT providers.
• Operational leadership experience within a growing organisation.
• Experience across HR, governance, compliance, technology and corporate services.
• Board and governance exposure.
• Knowledge of UK HR practices & experience supporting internationally based employees.
• Working with outsourced HR & service providers.
• A record of building systems, processes & operating frameworks.
• Stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Managing budgets, suppliers and organisational risk.

Interested?

If you have this experience, we welcome a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity.