Vice President of Operations - IOG

Who are we?

Over the last decade, IOG’s identity has been defined by technological excellence: Ouroboros, Hydra, and the architecture of Cardano itself. All these systems are carefully engineered to offer the world better financial, social and governance systems that will become the foundation of a brighter future. At IOG, we believe the future belongs to those who think deeply, act deliberately, and build systems that amplify human potential.

In 2024 IOG began a significant transformation from a blockchain research and engineering company into a fully operational Web3 Venture Studio. This shift represents a strategic pivot that aligns IOG’s expertise in decentralization, cryptography, and blockchain infrastructure with a structured approach to venture incubation and acceleration. This shift is not a repudiation of technical rigor, but a natural evolution toward expanding the reach of our principled design process

By leveraging a venture studio model, IOG combines structured incubation, targeted investment, and ecosystem-driven scaling to ensure that promising blockchain projects not only reach the market but also achieve long-term sustainability.

IOG seeks to accelerate Web3 adoption, reduce friction in decentralized solution deployment, and build a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem that bridges the gap between blockchain research, product development, and real-world impact. The company’s strategic focus on venture incubation, investment discipline, ecosystem development, and cultural excellence positions it as a leader in the rapidly evolving blockchain space.

Job Purpose

As VP of Operations, you will establish and lead IOG's new Enterprise Operations function during our transition from centralized to distributed operations. Reporting to the President, you will bring together three key operational capabilities: Enterprise Process Management, Strategic Integration Office (SIO), and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Your mandate is to maintain critical company-wide processes while enabling greater functional autonomy across the organization.

You will focus on creating systematic approaches that replace informal ways of working, implementing clear frameworks for cross-functional coordination, and ensuring effective enterprise-wide processes. You will serve as a key advisor and strategic partner to the Strategic Business Operations team, collaborating closely with the Culture, Communications and Adoption team, you will drive operational excellence while supporting our organizational evolution.

Success in this role requires balancing immediate operational stability with long-term transformation, building high-performing teams, and fostering strong partnerships across the organization. You will be responsible for optimizing resource allocation, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring our operational capabilities evolve to support IOG's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Operations Leadership:

• Establish and lead the new Enterprise Operations function, bringing together Enterprise Process Management, SIO, and ICT
• Advise on and evolve the Business Operating System (BOS) in collaboration with the Strategic Business Operations team. BOS is IOG’s seven-part framework for managing people development, collaboration, execution, decision-making, performance measurement and technology enablement. It constantly adapts through user feedback and AI-driven insights, remaining practical and scalable. Your guidance will ensure BOS design, rollout, and continuous improvement remain strategically aligned across the enterprise.
• Drive the transition from centralized to distributed operations while maintaining operational stability
• Develop and implement frameworks that enable functional autonomy while ensuring enterprise-wide coordination

Enterprise Process Management:

• Build and lead the Enterprise Process Management function to maintain essential company-wide processes
• Oversee strategic planning cycles, resource allocation, and cross-functional processes
• Develop integrated systems and systematic approaches to replace informal methods of working, ensuring seamless data flow and operational alignment
• Drive continuous improvement of enterprise-wide processes, maintaining efficiency and consistency across the organization

Strategic Integration Office (SIO):

• Lead the Strategic Integration Office in providing coordination mechanisms across functions
• Ensure effective management of cross-functional dependencies and information flow
• Coordinate enterprise-wide initiatives and maintain visibility of strategic programs
• Establish frameworks for cross-functional collaboration and decision-making

AI and Innovation Enablement:

• Identify, evaluate and advocate for AI- driven solutions that can enhance efficiency and scalability across all operations. 
• Collaborate with the AI Group and technology teams to implement these innovations in a way that supports long-term, sustainable growth

Information and Communications Technology:

• Oversee ICT strategy and operations 
• Ensure technical infrastructure supports both current operations and future needs
• Drive technology optimization and adoption across the organization
• Align technology investments with operational requirements

Performance and KPI Management:

• Implement and monitor performance measurement frameworks across all operational domains
• Ensure KPIs align with strategic objectives and drive accountability
• Lead regular performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
• Establish data-driven decision-making processes

Resource Management:

• Optimize allocation of human resources, technology, and budget across functions
• Develop and oversee resource planning and forecasting processes
• Review and approve strategic staffing plans
• Ensure efficient use of organizational resources

Quality Control and Compliance:

• Establish quality standards and assurance frameworks
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Implement robust control mechanisms across operational domains
• Maintain appropriate governance structures

Project and Risk Management:

• Oversee strategic operational projects and transformation initiatives
• Develop and implement risk management frameworks
• Guide teams in risk mitigation and contingency planning
• Ensure effective project governance and delivery

Leadership and Team Development:

• Build and develop high-performing teams across operational functions
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Mentor and develop senior operational leaders
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing

Strategic Partnerships:

• Serve as a critical advisor and input provider to the Strategic Business Operations team , offering operational expertise and insights that inform broader corporate strategy. 
• Partner with Culture, Communications and Adoption team on change implementation
• Collaborate with functional leaders to enable effective operations
• Build strong relationships with executive leadership

Leadership 

As Leaders it is our responsibility to motivate, develop and progress our fellow team members. There is a need to communicate openly with all members of your team, address any issues head on and not shy away from difficult conversations. Empowering your team to provide the best results by organizing clear processes and coordinating team efforts should be your top priority. Please read our Leadership at IO Global for more information on your duties and responsibilities as a leader at IOG.

Key Competencies

Operational Excellence

• Proven ability to design and implement effective operational frameworks
• Strong process optimization and systematic thinking capabilities
• Experience in managing technology and operational transformations
• Track record of delivering operational efficiency and measurable improvements

Leadership and Influence

• Demonstrated ability to lead through organizational change
• Strong emotional intelligence and stakeholder management skills
• Experience building and developing high-performing teams
• Ability to influence without direct authority

Strategic Thinking

• Capacity to balance immediate needs with long-term objectives
• Experience in transitioning organizations to distributed operations
• Ability to translate complex challenges into actionable plans
• Strong decision-making capabilities in ambiguous environments
• Pivots strategies to maintain agility and competitive advantage

Technical Understanding

• Sufficient technical literacy to oversee ICT (Information and Communication Technology) functions
• Understanding of enterprise architecture principles
• Experience with operational systems and tools
• Ability to align technology with business needs

Change Management

• Proven experience in managing organizational transformation
• Track record of successful change implementation
• Ability to maintain stability during transition periods
• Strong communication and engagement skills

Continuous Innovation

• Cultivates a learning-oriented environment, actively integrating new methodologies and best practices into operational frameworks.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive operations experience in complex, global organizations
• At least 5 years in senior leadership roles, managing diverse operational functions
• Demonstrated success in transitioning organizations from centralized to distributed operations
• Track record of implementing and optimizing enterprise-wide processes
• Experience managing technology functions and working with technical teams

• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in a global environment
• Experience influencing and collaborating across organizational boundaries
• Success in managing change while maintaining operational stability
• History of effective stakeholder management at executive level

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of operational systems and enterprise architecture
• Experience with digital transformation initiatives
• Knowledge of contemporary operational frameworks and methodologies
• Familiarity with technology infrastructure and governance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced, innovative industries
• Advanced degree in relevant field (e.g., Business, Operations, Technology)
• Background in process design and optimization
• Experience in startup or scale-up environments

Personal Qualities

• Strong emotional intelligence and cultural awareness
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Analytical mindset with practical problem-solving approach
• Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity

• Remote work
• Laptop reimbursement
• New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Competitive PTO 

At IOG, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.