Operations Manager (HR and systems)

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organized, people oriented and systems-focused Operations Manager who wants to work in a growing, mission-driven organisation and join a global collaborative team that is working at the forefront of responsible sourcing and production of agricultural commodities around the world.  

Proforest is a mission-driven organisation with a 20+ year track record of supporting the transition to sustainable production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities. We are a not-for-profit group with a global presence across Latin America, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia, and work with governments, the private sector and civil society to deliver positive outcomes for people, nature and climate in the places agricultural commodities are produced.   

As we expand our reach and impact, we are strengthening our internal systems to better support our staff and operations across the organisation. We are building structures and systems that are practical, values-led and scalable for the organisational growth.

About the role 

The successful candidate is likely to have a strong people/HR operational background but is keen to work at the intersection of people, operational systems development and purpose. You will be ready to help a growing organisation to mature its internal foundations, bring clarity and structure to evolving operations, supporting cross team collaboration to achieve Proforest’s purpose.

This role will oversee the HR and office functions for the European region. You will ensure HR related policies, procedures and guidance documents are fit for purpose and effectively communicated and implemented. You will work closely with HR business partner who is responsible for recruitment and onboarding, and supporting employee relations, engagement and talent planning. The role will also support Operations Director with improving institutional management and governance systems.

You will focus on the operations of the European region but also have the opportunity to coordinate global HR working groups to align on global policies and collaborate on global solutions.

Key responsibilities include:  

HR operations (Europe)

• Coordinate the development and maintenance of clear HR policies, procedures and systems; Support line managers in understanding and applying HR policies consistently
• Develop, improve and embed professional development tools and processes (e.g. annual review, progression frameworks), working closely with training and technical team leads
• Co-ordinate talent review processes and input to compensation committee, ensuring clarity and transparency in reward systems
• Manage staff engagement survey process, analyse and communicate results
• Support employee relationship, engagement and talent planning in partnership with the HR Business Partner
• Provide oversight of the HR work plan, budget and activities.
• Oversee payroll process in partnership with the Office Manager

HR operations (Global)

• Co-ordinate global HR working group calls to check in on delivery of shared initiatives and align on global HR policies

Office management (Europe)

• Oversee office coordination and provide line management to the Office Manager
• Strengthen internal operational systems for efficient workflows, communication and collaboration.

Institutional management and governance (Europe)

• Manage institutional contracts and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
• Strengthen governance frameworks and institutional policies, working closely with Operations Director.

About you 

You’ll be passionate about what we do and, you’ll thrive in an evolving and complex organisation.  This role is ideal for someone with a background in HR operations or an operation generalist, who enjoys systematising processes and bringing clarity to ambiguity.  You will also have: 

Essential: 

• A proven track record in creating effective people policy, procedures and guidance documents
• Strong ability to synthesise complex information into coherent and clear implementation actions for a wide audience    
• The ability to balance proactively driving process improvement while effectively engaging employees
• Excellent and adaptable communication skills, with ability to build and deepen collaborative relationships with key stakeholders
• Fluency in English is important to work across all of our operating regions
• Skilled with data and systems
• Good Excel skills

Desirable: 

• Experience working in a consultancy style business
• Experience working in a global organisation 
• Experience delivering internal training
• HR experience, specifically in progression frameworks, HR policy, induction process, reward and payroll
• Experience managing contracts and compliance
• Experience in other areas of operational management.

Why should you work for us?  

This role will give you the opportunity to be part of a global organisation with a shared vision, working in offices across 8 countries with staff from more than 17 countries, speaking more than 40 languages. We also provide a competitive benefits package: 

• We offer 25 days plus public holidays (with an extra 2 days the following year should you take your well earnt holiday within the year) 
• We contribute to your pension (up to 8%)  
• We support learning and development with a dedicated team to help you achieve your goals; we provide access to training for knowledge and competency skills  
• Life insurance and income protection insurance
• We organize regular in-person team gatherings, regional and international knowledge exchanges and social events.  

Key information 

Location: Oxford, please note we are in the centre of Oxford where there is no parking onsite

Salary: £50,000- £55,000 per annum depending on skills and experience 

Closing date: 9th April

Working hours: Full time (Monday to Friday), we will consider applications from those wishing to work 4 days per week. 

Hybrid working: Proforest operates on a hybrid basis. We encourage staff to attend the office to maximise interactions with colleagues and encourage collaboration but also appreciate individual circumstances and preferences. We ask that you attend the office at minimum of twice a week and are happy to explore flexible working options. 

We are committed to supporting diversity throughout Proforest globally, ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and therefore welcome applications from all.