Head of Operations (m/f/d)

Company Description

About EIT RawMaterials

As the world moves towards a greener future, the demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—is set to increase immensely over the next three decades. Europe faces a critical challenge in securing a stable supply of these essential resources. This challenge is where EIT RawMaterials steps in.

EIT RawMaterials is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the raw materials sector. As an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), we collaborate with over 300 partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. Together, we forge dynamic, long-term partnerships to develop innovative solutions that meet Europe's growing demand for raw materials.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations. The Head of Operations leads the operational backbone of EIT RawMaterials, ensuring alignment between strategic goals and day-to-day execution. This role is responsible for performance control, business partner service delivery, call and business plan oversight and management, cross-functional alignment, risk management and digital operations. A core aspect is ensuring data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and fostering a collaborative operational culture across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Operational Execution

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the organisation’s overall goals.
• Oversee daily operational activities, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on performance analysis and metrics.
  
  

Performance Management

• Manage performance control across both project and portfolio levels.
• Develop operational dashboards for tracking KPIs and overall performance.
• Report on the efficiency of project performance across the organisation.
• Proactively escalate any deviations from expected targets.
  
  

Business Planning & Grant Reporting

• Lead the annual business planning process and the full grant reporting cycle.
• Act as a key liaison between partners and the EIT, ensuring clear and timely reporting.
• Guarantee within-the-year and multi-annual reporting in line with defined targets.
  
  

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify and resolve inefficiencies to improve productivity and service quality.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and procedural excellence.
• Leverage automation and new technologies to streamline workflows.
  
  

Risk Management & Business Continuity

• Identify key operational risks and implement preemptive mitigation plans.
• Maintain and update business continuity plans.
• Ensure that policies are in place to minimise exposure to legal and operational risks.
  
  

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing operations team.
• Ensure close alignment and interaction across all functional areas.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.
  
  

Operational Contract & Partner Foresight

• Oversee operational contract management.
• Monitor partner performance and ensure adherence to agreements.
  
  

Partner Experience & Service Delivery

• Align operational processes with high standards of partner service.
• Implement feedback systems and address escalations quickly and effectively.
• Enhance operational responsiveness to evolving partner needs.
  
  

Technology, Security & Data Protection

• Oversee the deployment of operational IT tools and platforms.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity and data protection regulations.
• Collaborate with IT and legal experts to secure digital infrastructure.
  
  

Representation & Internal Advisory

• Represent EIT RawMaterials in relevant EIT and cross-KIC operational forums.
• Advise the Management Team and Managing Board on performance and operational matters.
  
  

Required Qualifications, Experience And Skills

Qualifications and Experience:

• University degree or equivalent at graduate level in Business Administration
• Min. 5 years of experience in operations or project management
• Competence in developing and running project controlling, monitoring and reporting
• Profound understanding of controlling KPIs and overall performance aspects
• Proficiency with respective computer tools
  
  

Skills:

• Strong analytical mindset
• Solid controlling skills, including commonly used methods in performance controlling
• Professional oral and written fluency in English
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Lead local and remote team
• Working as a team player in a multi-cultural team, contributing to EU goals
• A general understanding of the EU finance architecture would be an advantage
  
  

What We Offer:

• Collaborative and supportive work culture.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning.
  
  

Other information

Our Recruitment Process

The position will stay open until a successful candidate is chosen.

• Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews each application. Please make sure to submit your CV in English.
• Initial Interview (30 minutes): Meet with the hiring manager and recruitment team.
• Second Interview (60 minutes): Second interview with a presentation on a relevant topic to the hiring manager and HR Director.
• Offer: If successful, receive an offer to join our team.
• Location: Berlin, Germany (Hybrid)
• Reporting Line: COO
  
  

Ready to shape the future with us? Apply now.