Operations Manager (Hybrid London based)

Introducing Zinc Network

For over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping clients navigate complex challenges at the intersection of security, technology, and behaviour change.

Working in partnership with a global network of media, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand the most complex issues, design behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact.

That's what we do today for governments, NGOs, and private sector partners working on some of the toughest briefs: protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations.

We're now building Kora — our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology, making interventions faster and more cost-effective whilst enabling clients and grassroots partners to design and deliver them independently.

The world is becoming increasingly complex — with accelerating technology, evolving security threats, and shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. That's where you'll find Zinc: tackling the trickiest challenges where these forces collide and driving impact on the issues that matter most.

Outline of the job 

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the planning, logistics and financials aspects of several projects. They will provide overarching management of projects to ensure they are delivered on time, on budget and within the project scope, in the most efficient way possible. The Operations Manager will report to the Head of Production & Operations

The Operations manager is expected to be in our London Office for 2 days per week.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

·       Manage all financial, contractual and logistical elements of projects from inception to close-out.

·       Understand client contracts, legal, and commercial and compliance requirements of each project to ensure effective delivery.

·       Ensure projects are undertaken and deliverables produced within the scope of the contract and its terms and conditions.

·       Manage all financial elements of the projects alongside the Project Accountant from cost monitoring to processing invoices to financial reporting both internally and to clients.

·       Coordinate a high volume of travel logistics working to the projects policies and regulations

·       Juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

·       Work with the project management team to create and manage all project documents including Risk documents.

·       Ensure each project works to Zinc’s internal policies and procedures.

·       Resource all projects in line with requirements and budgets using a mixture of internal staff & freelancers, making sure all contracting is in place.

·       Coordinate due diligence, contracting and onboarding of third-party suppliers and partners including grant recipients, and monitor delivery and compliance against those contracts.

·       Obtain a good understanding of Zinc’s software and be able to troubleshoot any problems experienced within the team.

Requirements

What we need from you…

·       Experience in managing projects from inception to close-out.

·       Experience of operations or project management on international donor-funded projects (FCDO, USAID, EU, UN or similar)

·       Experience working with project-based staff, providing logistical and financial oversight on projects.

·       Demonstrated experience in coordinating and cooperating with a wide range of stakeholders.

·       Experience in reviewing and approving project procurements, grants, and purchase order agreements.

·       Experience in budget management, and experience of various accounting software.

·       Fluency in English.

·       3 years of experience in a similar role.

·       UK SC Clearance would be beneficial, but not a requirement.

Area of Selection

We’re committed to hiring a diverse workforce from different professional and cultural backgrounds, and to that end we encourage a variety of people to apply to join our company to represent the diverse range of subjects associated with our projects.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to:

-        Disclose any previous disciplinary action against them resulting from a substantiated safeguarding (including any breaches involving trafficking- related activities) or workplace investigation.

-        Undergo background checks including employment verification, sexual offender registry (as available), identity confirmation, and anti-terrorism vetting.

How to apply

Please include a cover letter stating how you meet each of the requirements.

If you require an accommodation to be made at any point throughout the recruitment process, please advise us when contacted.