Director of Operations

About Carbon Tracker

Carbon Tracker and Planet Tracker are award-winning think tanks that sit within the non-profit Tracker Group and are based in London. Their work combines research and investor engagement to help shift financial markets and companies around the world toward faster action. The organisation is financed through philanthropic support from European and US endowments and families, with a smaller and expanding share coming from consulting and financial institutions. Around 40 employees are based in London, alongside several consultants working remotely across the globe. The research teams also collaborate with environmental NGOs such as As You Sow, ShareAction, and ClientEarth to strengthen campaigns and extend their reach to financial markets.

Role Overview

Carbon Tracker is looking for a highly capable, values-led leader to join the Senior Leadership Team as Director of Operations. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Director of Research, this role is central to finance, operations, governance, IT, compliance, and the wider organisational infrastructure. It combines strategic direction with day-to-day operational leadership and is key to supporting effectiveness, resilience, and growth in a mission-focused setting. The role also serves as the main link between the research function and the operations-finance team, acts as Company Secretary, supports the Board and Audit & Risk Committee, oversees risk management and business continuity, and helps build a collaborative, high-performing culture.

A major part of the position is shaping financial strategy together with the Head of Finance, ensuring the organisation remains financially sound, compliant, and operationally efficient while making the best use of resources across functions. The Director will also own the development of IT strategy, manage IT infrastructure, and safeguard the security and administration of Tracker Group property and assets.

Leadership, Management and Finance

• Set the tone for collaborative, cross-functional leadership as part of the Senior Team.
• Make sure operations and finance are aligned with the research team’s staffing and resource requirements.
• Oversee and grow the day-to-day back-office and support functions, including Finance and IT, with effective staffing, systems, policies, and processes in place.
• Work with the CEO, Director of Research, and Head of HR on organisational design so the group is structured to deliver its mission, goals, and strategy.
• Ensure that all financial and legal responsibilities are handled properly and efficiently in line with applicable laws and standards, including accounting, auditing, insurance, and company law.
• Advise and support the CEO on regulatory compliance and intellectual property matters.
• Continuously strengthen the risk management framework and ensure appropriate systems are in place.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, including major funders where relevant.
• Provide strategic oversight of finance across Tracker Group and its other entities, including statutory reporting, grant compliance, and annual accounts.
• Keep the Board, Audit and Risk Committee, CEO, Director of Research, and other senior colleagues fully updated on the organisation’s financial position and health.
• Partner closely with the CEO to offer leadership and guidance on finance-related decisions and provide formal quarterly reporting to the Board.

IT, People and Other Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation’s IT strategy, including researching and introducing suitable technology solutions.
• Own business continuity planning and put disaster recovery and backup arrangements in place.
• Serve as Data Protection Officer and ensure GDPR and all other applicable data protection requirements are followed, working with the Head of HR.
• Collaborate with the Head of HR to make sure HR policies and processes are legally compliant, inclusive, and aligned with best practice, while also supporting organisational culture development.
• Take responsibility for Health & Safety compliance in partnership with the Head of HR.
• Manage the risk assessment process for travel and staff events.

Company Secretary Responsibilities

• Stay current with changing legal and regulatory requirements and advise the Board, CEO, and other stakeholders accordingly.
• Support the Board in running governance matters efficiently, including meetings, records, and statutory registers, and act as Secretary to the Tracker Group Board.
• Maintain the company’s statutory books and registers.
• Ensure decisions are made in line with governing documents, relevant laws and regulations, and internal controls such as reserved matters.
• Induct new Board Directors and ensure all Board members understand their statutory duties and legal obligations.
• Guide the Board on governance, compliance, and reporting issues.
• File returns and other submissions with regulators, including accounts.
• Ensure Companies House filings and other material corporate changes are completed accurately and on time.
• Handle company insurance administration.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will bring substantial senior-level experience in finance and operations, along with strong financial planning and management capability. You should have experience working with Boards, committees, and senior stakeholders, and a solid understanding of governance and regulatory compliance. A proven history of leading change, building systems, and improving operational performance is essential, as are excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills. The role also requires someone who can switch comfortably between strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

Experience in a charity, think tank, research organisation, NGO, or similar mission-led environment would be highly advantageous. Additional experience in company secretariat duties, GDPR compliance, IT strategy, or business continuity planning would also be valuable. Applicants who are collaborative leaders with strong operational and financial expertise and a commitment to positive environmental impact are especially encouraged to apply.

Benefits

The organisation offers a warm, collaborative workplace where individual contribution is recognised and valued. The benefits package includes generous annual leave, extra time off over the festive period, a company pension, flexible and hybrid working, a home office setup allowance, and early finishes on alternate Fridays. Employees also benefit from an active Staff Committee, Mental Health Team, and DEI Champions who work with management to support a positive workplace culture.

Inclusion and Recruitment Approach

The organisation is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, and it aims to provide an inclusive recruitment process with reasonable adjustments where needed. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as curiosity, potential, and alignment with the mission are highly valued.