Operations Manager

We are pleased to be partnering with a unique and globally focused NGO as it establishes its new UK base.
The organisation works at the intersection of governance, policy and global security, tackling complex issues that require collaboration across sectors and borders. As it sets up operations in London, it is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the stand-up of the UK entity, ensuring a smooth transition of people, contracts and processes from an existing European structure, and laying the foundations for a strong and compliant UK operation.
This is a rare opportunity to join at an early and formative stage and help build the systems, governance and ways of working that will support the organisation's mission for years to come.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Manager will take the lead on establishing the UK entity - overseeing the transfer of staff and contracts, ensuring compliance across jurisdictions, and coordinating advice from specialist legal, tax and accounting partners.
You'll be responsible for making sure the new organisation runs effectively from day one: setting up governance and reporting routines, managing key relationships, and driving delivery on a range of operational and strategic priorities.
It's a role for someone who thrives in fast-moving, start-up-style environments - comfortable with complexity, strong on detail, and able to connect multiple moving parts. You'll work closely with senior leadership, helping free them to focus on long-term strategy while ensuring the operational side runs smoothly and compliantly.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the stand-up of the UK entity, managing the transfer of people, contracts and systems from an existing European organisation.
• Oversee compliance and governance across UK and international operations, coordinating external legal and tax advisors as needed.
• Project-manage operational and regulatory workstreams, holding internal and external stakeholders to account for deliverables.
• Develop and embed new systems and processes, balancing structure and agility.
• Establish reporting and board governance routines, ensuring obligations are met and information flows effectively.
• Support people and organisational transfers, including data, HR and contractual processes.
• Drive operational readiness by identifying risks, coordinating responses, and ensuring dependencies are managed.
• Support leadership on strategic initiatives, data management and ongoing organisational development.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong experience in operations, governance or project management, ideally gained in a small or growing organisation.
• Proven ability to deliver complex transitions or organisational set-ups involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of governance and compliance, with the judgement to know when to seek expert advice.
• Excellent attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger picture.
• Confidence working with external advisors, board members and senior leadership.
• Experience across different environments or sectors (public, commercial, international NGO) highly desirable.
• Background in management consultancy or the Armed Forces, followed by commercial or non-profit experience, could be a particularly good fit.
• Hands-on, practical and unflappable, with a genuine interest in helping organisations work better.

Key details

• Salary: Up to £66,000 per annum
• Contract: 12-18 month FTC (or permanent by mutual agreement)
• Location: Hybrid - London office
• Start: As soon as possible

This is an exciting opportunity to help build a new international NGO in the UK, creating the operational infrastructure, governance and culture that will enable it to deliver complex and globally significant work. It's a hands-on, high-trust role that will reward someone who enjoys making things happen and doing them properly.

Altum Consulting and our client are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

To apply or find out more, please submit your CV or contact us for a confidential conversation.