Director of Operations

Carbon Tracker and Planet Tracker are two award winning think tanks (part of the non-profit ‘Tracker Group’) and headquartered in London.  Through research and investor engagement, we influence financial markets and corporates worldwide to accelerate change across global markets.

We are seeking an exceptional, values driven leader to join the Senior Leadership Team as Director of Operations.   You will join a talented and committed team working at the intersection of finance, sustainability and public interest and play a central role in ensuring our organisation continues to deliver world-class research and impact.

We are funded via philanthropic donations from European and US endowments and families, with a small but growing percentage from consulting and financial institutions.  

Both research teams work collaboratively with other environmental NGOs (such as As You Sow, ShareAction and Client Earth) to support each other’s campaigns and amplify their messages to financial markets.  

We have around 40 staff based in London and several consultants working remotely around the world.  

Role overview

The Director of Operations reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the Director of Research. This is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for finance, operations, governance, IT, compliance and organisational infrastructure. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight and will play a central role in supporting organisational effectiveness, growth and resilience in a mission driven environment.  One key role is acting as a point of contact and knowledge bridge between the research engine room, led by the Director of Research and the operations-finance team.    You will also act as Company Secretary, support Board and Audit & Risk Committee activities, oversee organisational risk management and business continuity and help foster a collaborative, high-performing culture across the organisation.

Leading on financial strategy in close liaison with the Head of Finance, a key objective is to ensure the organisation remains solvent and compliant with a focus on operational excellence whilst ensuring cross functional collaboration and the best management of resources.  The director will also be responsible for developing the IT Strategy and managing the IT infrastructure, as well as for the security and management of all TG property and assets. 

Role and responsibilities

Leadership, Management and Finance

• As a member of the Senior Team, to role model collaborative, effective and cross-functional working.
• To ensure that operations and finance understand the research team’s resource needs.
• To manage and develop day-to-day back office and support functions such as Finance and IT; ensuring efficient staffing, systems, policies and procedures are in place.
• To contribute to the development of the organisational structure in close liaison with the CEO, Director of Research and Head of HR to ensure Tracker Group is staffed effectively to achieve its missions, goals and strategic objectives.
• To ensure that all financial and legal obligations in relation to Tracker Group’s affairs are properly and efficiently delivered in line with relevant legislation including but not limited to accounting and auditing standards, insurance and company law.
• To provide advice and support to the CEO in areas such as regulatory compliance and intellectual property.
• To continuously develop and improve the risk management framework and ensure robust and suitable systems are in place.
• To establish and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, including key funders where appropriate.
• To provide strategic oversight of the Finance function for Tracker Group and other group companies to include supporting statutory reporting, grant compliance, annual accounts etc.
• To ensure that the Board, Audit and Risk Committee, CEO, Director of Research and all senior colleagues are kept fully informed of the financial health and position of the organisation.
• Work closely with the CEO to provide clear leadership, advice and direction on all finance related decision making and formally reporting to the Board on a quarterly basis.

IT, People and Other

• To lead, develop and maintain the IT strategy for the organisation; research and implement technological strategic solutions.
• To be responsible for Business Continuity and establish disaster recovery and back up procedures.
• To act as Data Protection Officer, providing expert knowledge and ensuring compliance with GDPR and any other data protection law in liaison with the Head of HR.
• To work closely with the Head of HR to ensure that HR processes and policies are legally compliant and adhere to best and inclusive practice; providing support to develop the organisational culture.
• To be responsible for Health & Safety compliance in liaison with the Head of HR.
• To be responsible for managing the Risk Assessment Process in relation to travel and staff events.

Company Secretary Responsibilities

• To keep up to date with current legislative and regulatory requirements, advising the Board, CEO and others. 
• To support the Board in the smooth and efficient running of all Governance matters including the delivery of Board meetings, record and register keeping.   Act as Secretary to the Tracker Group Board and maintain the company’s statutory books and registers.
• To ensure decisions are made in line with the governing documents, relevant legislation and regulations, and relevant internal documents e.g. reserved matters for the Board
• To induct new Board Directors and keep all members informed of their statutory duties and legal responsibilities
• To advise the Board on Governance matters and matters of compliance and reporting
• To submit returns to regulators (accounts etc.)
• To ensure that all Companies House filings and significant changes are carried out in a timely and accurate manner.
• To manage company insurance.

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant senior experience across finance and operations.
• Strong financial management and planning expertise.
• Experience working with Boards, Committees and senior stakeholders alongside a strong understanding of governance and regulatory compliance.
• A track record of leading organisational change, developing systems and improving operational effectiveness.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship building skills.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on delivery.

Experience within a charity, think tank, research organisation, NGO or other mission-led environment would be highly desirable, as would experience in Company Secretariat responsibilities, GDPR compliance, IT strategy or business continuity planning.

If you are a collaborative leader with strong operational and financial expertise and are motivated by the opportunity to drive positive environmental outcomes or if you have worked in financial markets and you have something to say about how we change the world we live in, we would welcome your application.

Carbon Tracker and Planet Tracker offer a friendly and collaborative working environment where we value our staff and the individual contribution they make. Our benefit package includes a generous leave entitlement with additional days off over the festive period, company pension, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, an allowance to set up your home office and early finishes on alternate Fridays. We have an active Staff Committee, Mental Health Team and DEI Champions who work closely with the management team to create an excellent working environment.

We believe that diverse perspectives lead to better ideas, stronger research and greater impact. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.   We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process, including reasonable adjustments where needed. If you are excited by this role but do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value potential, curiosity and a shared commitment to our mission.