Business & Project Operations Lead London | Hybrid | 18-month contract
As CEI Global approaches 10 years of operation in 2026 (and 6 years in the UK), we are investing in a strong, fit-for-purpose enablement function that supports our teams to achieve our strategic ambitions - and this role is central to how we deliver and improve.
This is a newly created role sitting at the crossroads of how we run our office, support our people, win work, and manage project reporting and systems. Our next phase needs someone who thrives on bringing structure to complexity, who gets genuine satisfaction from building processes that work, continuously improving how things operate, and making sure the people around them can focus on the work they do best.
This role spans three connected areas:
- Tender & Submission Coordination — you'll manage the end-to-end process for UK tenders and proposals, keeping submissions compliant, coherent, and on time. You'll maintain our credentials and assets so we're ready to move at short notice, and keep leadership informed on pipeline and outcomes.
- Project Operations & Contracts — you'll own the operational set-up and running of UK projects, track utilisation and financial data, and make sure contracts are in place, obligations are monitored, and issues are flagged early. You'll be the go-to for our project management platform.
- Office, People & Executive Support — you'll be the face of the UK office, keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly and creating an environment where the team can do their best work. This includes organising team connection events, providing executive support to UK leadership, and working with our People & Culture team to support our staff as needed.
Across all three, you'll be looking for ways to improve how things work — not just keeping things ticking but building something that lasts.
What we're looking for
We're not going to give you a long list of requirements to tick off. What we really want to know is whether you can tell us - clearly and with evidence - that you've done this kind of work before and done it well.
We're looking for someone who can speak to:
- What it looks like when operations in a small, busy professional organisation are working well - and what you've done to get it there
- How you've supported or coordinated a competitive submission or tender process, and what your role was in getting it over the line
- How you use data - not just maintaining it, but drawing on it to help people make better decisions
- How you handle sensitive situations - people matters, compliance questions, difficult conversations - with discretion and good judgement
- How you communicate across a team - whether that's walking someone through a new process, keeping stakeholders informed, or holding a calm and clear conversation with a funder or external partner. We need someone who can read the room, adapt their style, and bring people with them.
If you've worked in a research, consultancy, public sector, or not-for-profit environment and you recognise yourself in the above, we want to hear from you.
Life at CEI
We're part of a global team of 50, with a close-knit London office of 15. You'll know everyone, your work will be visible — and you won't just be working with a UK-based team. This role puts you in regular contact with colleagues and key contacts across Australia, Singapore, and Norway.
Our London base is a beautiful co-working space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the River Thames.
We think flexibility should be real, not just a line in a job advert. That means hybrid working with 2–3 days in the office and options for compressed hours. On top of your annual leave, you'll get 5 festive closure days, a paid day off for your birthday, 2 days for marriage or civil partnership, and 5 days examination leave. We also offer enhanced carers and parental support, because life doesn't pause for work.
We invest in the people here. That looks like individual development plans, access to learning budgets, coaching and mentoring, and professional membership reimbursement.
And the work itself matters. We're a values-led, globally connected team focused on improving community lives with evidence — working on projects that have real impact on people's lives.
A note on the contract
This role is offered as an 18-month fixed-term contract, with every intention of it continuing on past that for the right person. Our UK team has built something genuinely impressive over the past six years - we're looking for someone who is excited by our next chapter and wants to grow with us.
How to apply
To apply, review the Position Description and apply via the link with your resume.
Applications open Tuesday 28 April 2026 — we will be progressing applicants as they come in. Applications close Monday 25 May 2026.
For any questions please reach out to [email protected]
CEI is committed to diversity and inclusion. We actively welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and with lived experience of the social issues our work addresses.