Chief Operating Officer

09/12/2024

Nekton seeks a Chief Operating Officer to co-lead and implement the organisation’s strategy, operational and fiscal oversight and team management – including with science, marine operations, logistics, data, communications, finance and central operations teams along with an international alliance of science, business, government, philanthropic and civil society partners.

As Chief Operating Officer, you will manage one of the major global marine biodiversity programmes of the decade, radically advance our knowledge of ocean life, catalyse global marine conservation, inspire ocean engagement, and harness and champion equitable, international collaboration.

Experience in marine research, environment, conservation and / or marine industry is desirable but not essential and candidates from other sectors are encouraged to apply.

Details

START: From April 1, 2025

LOCATION: Oxford HQ (with hybrid working 2-3 days per week). International travel as required.

SALARY: Competitive, from £90,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience

CONTRACT: Permanent, full time

REPORTING TO: Chief Executive

TEAM: Head of Finance & Central Operations, Principal Scientist, Head of Expeditions, Head of Communications, Head of Science (Ocean Census)

Please note: Only applicants who are eligible to work in the UK will be considered.

Applications close EOB, Friday 10th January 2025

Full Job Description

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Strategy Development & Operationalisation

Provides input to the organisations strategy and vision
Implements and operationalises the strategy, ensuring alignment with the vision (includes business strategies, plans and procedures)

External Relations

Manages relationships with internal stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, and contractors.
Support the CEO, together with senior management in building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and government agencies and deliver on the required donor reporting together with the Senior management team.

Programme Development & Operations

Co identify and develop with the CEO new programme initiatives ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and strategy.
Leadership of the implementation and management of all programs and operations, including budgeting, staffing, legal, marine operations, administration, science, communications, and evaluation through effective oversight and management of the responsible senior management team

Financial Management

Oversees the organization’s financial strategy and budgeting, ensuring alignment with the organisational vision.
Oversees the organization’s finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting

Human resources

Co-lead with the CEO on organisational structure and resource needs to ensure implementation of the strategy. Develops and implements HR strategies, including talent acquisition, retention, and development.
Oversees all HR operations, including recruitment policies, onboarding policies, and employee relations, performance management etc.

Fundraising

Co-develop with the CEO, and implement fundraising strategies that enables achievement of the overall strategy and vision.
Manages fundraising campaigns, events, and grant writing, ensuring alignment with the fundraising strategy

Advocacy & Policy

Supports the CEO in advocacy and policy efforts, providing research, analysis, and technical expertise

Communications

Oversees the internal and external communications strategies, including social media, marketing, and public relations and support the CEO at international events, meetings with stakeholders etc. either together or in their place.

Risk Management

Responsible for the oversight of all aspects of risk management strategies, risk assessments, risk mitigating measures and reporting to the board.

Regulatory Requirements

Overall responsible for all regulatory requirements.

Governance

Supports the CEO in governance matters, including Board relations, reporting, compliance, and risk management.

Performance Monitoring

Co-develop with the CEO, key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategy.
Develops and implements performance monitoring systems, tracking progress against KPIs and providing insights for improvement.

Key Attributes

Essential:

An individual with integrity, ethics and sustainability awareness.
Excellent organisational and leadership abilities and strong interpersonal and communications skills.
Competence in strategic planning, business development and regulatory issues.
Minimum of 15 years of professional experience with at least 8 years in senior leadership roles in operations, human resources, and / or finance functions with a strong track record of experience in globally active non-profits.
Demonstrated track record of expertise and excellence in operations and financial management.
Demonstrated leadership of productive, diverse teams, with strong culture.
Exceptional strategic thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills, especially under pressure; ability to set detailed vision and direction across large, complex sets of work.
Strong emotional intelligence and executive leadership presence.
Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with all staff and stakeholders, fostering a culture of trust, effective communication, and collaboration towards achieving common goals.
Demonstrated track record leading in a fast-paced environment and managing a team to high performance.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to preserving a bold, can-do culture that sustains the organisation’s values while pursuing its mission.
Ability to manage multiple priorities amid ambiguity and to leverage creative thinking and resourcefulness.
Business Management qualification and / or relevant experience as stated above.
Proficiency in Project Management software (e.g. ASANA), Microsoft 365 with the ability to produce high quality work products in each program.
Located in the Oxford area or have the ability to relocate, or commute for 2-3 days a week.

Desirable:

Strong experience in operational functioning of a UK Charity / non-profit
Proven experience in the marine, science, conservation sector
Knowledge of languages other than English.
Project Management qualification

How to Apply

To apply for this position please send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this role to [email protected] by EOB, Friday 10th January 2025 quoting reference NFCOO112024.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor work visas. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Full Job Description