Operations Manager

Lead Research for Action (LeRA) is looking for an Operations Manager.

• Full-time independent contract
• Language:
  English
• Location:
  
  Anywhere (Remote);
  Must have at least 4 hours of daily overlap with UK working hours
• Salary: commensurate with experience, location, and scope
• Applications closing: 30th March

LeRA is a high-impact nonprofit working to identify and eliminate major sources of childhood lead exposure in low- and middle-income countries.

Operations roles are multipliers. They increase the productivity and impact of the organisation as a whole.

As LeRA’s first dedicated operations hire, you will build and own the systems that allow us to scale. You will work closely with the two cofounders as a thought partner.

This is a foundational role with significant responsibility. The scope is intentionally broad and can evolve based on your strengths and LeRA’s needs. We expect this role to grow as LeRA grows.

The core mandate of this role is to build organisational infrastructure, setting LeRA up for success as we scale. We expect you will build robust but lightweight systems across the following key work streams. New priorities will emerge over time and the depth of responsibility in each area may be tailored to your strengths.

• Provide clear financial visibility to inform overall decision-making.
• Own budgeting, cash flow tracking, forecasting, and reporting across grants and projects.
• Strengthen LeRA’s financial systems and internal controls.

• Lead U.K. charity registration process and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Draft and oversee contracts with partners, consultants, vendors, and U.S. fiscal sponsor.
• Develop and maintain right‑sized organisational policies as needed (e.g., data security, safeguarding, anti‑bribery).

• Oversee operational logistics, including procuring supplies, moving materials between countries, and other complexities.
• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks.

• Develop internal documentation and knowledge management systems for scale.
• Manage and improve goal‑setting and tracking systems (e.g., OKRs).
• Oversee and optimize use of core operational infrastructure, including website, CRM, and task management systems.
• Identify and implement best uses of artificial intelligence, recognizing that the right use of AI could dramatically increase our efficiency and impact.

• Lead recruitment, attracting and hiring top‑performing candidates.
• Develop onboarding and performance management systems.
• Contribute to maintaining and shaping LeRA’s culture as we grow.

The core mandate for this role is building operational systems to enhance LeRA’s efficiency and organisational strength, as above. Depending on your strengths and interests, you may also take on work streams like:

• Supporting or leading fundraising efforts.
• Creating external communications.
• Contributing to programmatic work, such as scoping new geographies for scale up via desk research and in‑person visits.
• Interfacing directly with key stakeholders in government, industry, or civil society.

You are:

• Deeply motivated by global health impact.
• Excited to operate in a flexible, fast‑moving environment.
• Comfortable taking on a wide variety of tasks.
• High‑agency and proactive.
• Collaborative, clear, and honest in your communications.
• Strong in critical thinking and problem solving.

You have:

• At least three years of relevant work experience, and possibly many more.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Experience and enthusiasm for building systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

You take ownership of problems, look for creative solutions that maximize LeRA’s overall impact, and communicate clearly and proactively with your colleagues.

Experience with UK charity compliance and/or international charitable operations is a plus but not required.

The rough application process will be as follows, though the details may change. We currently expect to make an offer by early May.

If you have questions, please email hello
.

LeRA is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage women, people of colour, and people based in low- and middle‑income countries to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on merit.