Operations Manager

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Operations Manager

We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised, and innovative professional to take the role of Operations Manager for the Proforest Group to help manage a period of growth and change as well as supporting the day to day operations of our offices in the UK, Malaysia, Brazil and Ghana.

The Proforest Group combines both companies and registered non-profit organisations and the successful candidate would bring experience to support both. The main responsibilities will include leading on the development and implementation of effective internal systems across the group, managing human resources including the internal training programme and immigration and visas, and overseeing the administration and office support functions, particularly for the UK.

About Proforest

Proforest is a world leader in supporting the sustainable management and use of natural resources including forestry, oil palm, soy, sugar, coffee, beef and other agricultural commodities. Proforest works throughout the supply chain, supporting growers and governments in producing countries across Asia, Africa and South America in implementing more sustainable practices, while also working with the buyers, manufacturers and retailers to help them understand their supply chains better and source from more sustainable producers.

This is a complex task, often in a challenging environment so we are very dependent on the effectiveness of our internal systems and support. Our staff are from many different countries and cultures and the successful candidate must be able to work with people from a wide range of different backgrounds and cultures. The working language of the company is English but fluency in one or more other languages is a major advantage.

Position summary

Based in Oxford, UK the position is an exciting opportunity to take responsibility for the day to day operations and drive the development of the group approach. The position also encompasses support for personnel and human resources.  Proforest is a growing organisation so the role requires a dynamic and adaptive individual that can manage change.

Main functions

•  Lead the continuous development of the internal management system to deliver effective support for all parts of the Proforest group. As Proforest grows there is a need to review and adapt many of our systems ranging from internal policies to detailed procedures. This involves working closely with staff across all five group entities and may involve occasional travel to Brazil, Ghana or Malaysia.

• Manage the human resources system including recruitment, contracts, induction, immigration and visas and ongoing support with personnel issues such as maternity leave. Support Proforest line managers where requested. Oversee staff training and capacity building programme.

• Coordinate the development, implementation and review of company policies and procedures working closely with the management team

• Oversee the office administration for the UK office and provide ongoing support to office administrators in Brazil, Ghana and Malaysia.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement of systems and processes to better manage the effective and safe delivery of projects and programmes

• Lead in all personnel related matters and processes including recruitment, inductions, immigration and visa compliance and performance reviews

• Oversee the smooth running of the UK office and support administrators in Proforest offices in Brazil, Ghana and Malaysia

• Support and develop effective communication between offices

• Oversight of legal compliance and insurance

• Drive compliance with company policies and systems

• Support business development and fund-raising activities if requested

• Support the implementation of a content and knowledge management system

Qualifications, Experience, Qualities

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree, preferably a relevant discipline (e.g. management, business)

• At least 3 years’ experience working as an operations manager or equivalent

• Experience developing and implementing internal management systems.

Essential Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and team working skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proven ability to multi-task  and operate in a multi-cultural environment

• Strong project and programme management skills (including excellent time-management, problem-solving and organisational abilities)

• Ability to see the big picture and prioritise actions and tasks

Highly desirable:

• Experience and training in human resources management

• Some experience of IT systems to facilitate liaison with the IT staff

• Fluency in a second language (particularly French, Portuguese or Spanish)

Salary

Salary:  GBP 35,000 – 40,000 plus benefits commensurate with experience

To apply

Send your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages each and confirmation that you are eligible to work in the UK to personnel@proforest.net:    

 

Application Deadline: 15^th August 2014

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 27^th August 2014

Interviews during week of 1^st – 5^th September

Proforest is an equal opportunity employer.