Operations Manager/COO

Location:

Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia – work from home welcome with regular travels in the region – Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka.

Summary:

The Operations Manager is a critical operations role responsible for overseeing the financial health, human resources functions, and legal compliance of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership. This position requires a hands-on individual with a broad range of skills and experience, capable of managing diverse responsibilities in a small non-profit high growth start up environment. Join us at a pivotal moment to build and define the operational backbone of our evolving organization. This role offers direct ownership over establishing and refining the financial, HR, and legal frameworks as we move into a new setting. You'll be instrumental in transitioning from an incubated setup to a fully established entity – truly driving efficiency and setting the standard for our continued growth.

As our organization experiences significant growth, this role offers an exceptional trajectory. For the right candidate, this position is designed to evolve into a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role for the candidate who excels and drives our operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Financial Management:

• Oversee all financial operations, including financial planning, reporting and budgeting.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures.
• Provide strategic, forward-thinking support for budget planning.
• Oversee procurement and vendor management.

Human Resources:

• Oversee employment contracts and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, maintain employee and contractors’ records and ensure confidentiality.

Legal and Contractual :

• Develop, review and negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Manage trademark and intellectual property matters
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to legal compliance.
• Maintain corporate records and ensure compliance with legal filing requirements.
• Oversee risk management activities, including insurance coverage.
• Manage legal matters, including engaging external legal counsel.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements and regulations.

Additional scope:

• Collaborate with other staff members to achieve organizational goals like the set-up of an impact fund.
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational development initiatives in a fast-growing organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; CPA or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in financial management, human resources, and legal/contractual work, preferably in a start-up or non-profit setting.
• Strong understanding of companies accounting principles and financial reporting requirements.
• At ease with employment and organizational laws and regulations.
• Experience in contract development, review and negotiation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership.

Is this role for you? See Job Trivia Below!
This role could be for you should you find yourself in the traits below:

• Engaging & resourceful: Your ability to get things done through engagement and collaboration with diverse industry stakeholders internationally is recognized. As a self-starter with a proactive approach to problem-solving, you can keep composure when your ideas are not successful from the get go.
• Proficient communicator: Motivating members to actively collaborate and contribute to the organization's objectives is the bread and butter of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership and so would be yours should you join us. A board room can intimidate you but not scare you and so should connecting with farmers and engaging with stakeholders with various level of education and English skills
• Versatile with strong organizational skills: We’re in an incubation phase and scaling up fast, which means it’s exciting and we steer the ship while we build it. If you are willing to work in a dynamic start up environment where activities may shift and evolve over the course of the year, then this could be for you. To success you’ll need an ability to prioritize and focus on achieving desired results, leveraging innovative approaches to attain outcomes efficiently and effectively through engagement and collaboration with diverse industry stakeholders internationally
• Adaptable & Easy to work with: Interactions are the base of successful collaborations. We love working with people, we take time getting to know our members to help them and we know that above all, meaningful connections make the dream work.
• Engaging & Outcome oriented: Results, Results, Results. We’re busy dreaming big, getting things done, and having fun doing. If you think this is a good way to work, then this could be for you.
• Digital savvy: This is a must have, social media, community management, app development, graphic design are part of the toolbox for this role, the ability to learn new and apply skills in this space through trainings is expected

Willingness to travel: A few regional travels expected during the year.

Compensation and Benefits: This role begins as a strategic contractor position due to our current structure, offering you an immediate opportunity to make an impact. Our intention is for this role to transition to a full-time employee (FTE) in 2026.

Job Type: Contract
Contract length: 12 months

Application Question(s):

• What is your current notice period?
• This job is open to WFH in Indonesia, Philippines & Malaysia – but regular travels to the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka are required. Can you do these travels?
• What is your gross monthly salary expectation for this role? (In IDR)