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Leadership opportunity at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation accelerating global transition to a circular economy
Overview
Salary
No salary declared 😔
Location
UK - Hybrid
Expires
Expires at anytime
Organisation summary
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a leading organization dedicated to promoting the circular economy — one that is restorative and regenerative by design. It has successfully established strategic circular economy roadmaps in 75 countries and influenced 55% of businesses to adopt these strategies. The Foundation is at an exciting stage, poised to scale its strategies globally, particularly in the Global South and Global North.
Role Summary
- As the Chief Operating Officer, you will play a crucial strategic and operational leadership role.
- Close collaboration with the CEO and the global executive leadership team.
- Managing the Foundation's day-to-day administrative and operational functions, aligning them with its mission, people, systems, and impact.
Role Requirements
- Over 15 years of senior operations leadership experience in the mission-driven or non-profit sector.
- Experience in managing complex organizational functions on a global scale and developing new business and revenue models.
- A strong understanding of impact-oriented work, financial acumen, and a legal mindset are vital.
- Experience with technology infrastructure and excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Application Process Details
- The position is due to start in May 2026, and applications close on January 23, 2026.
- To apply, upload your CV and covering letter by clicking on the green icon.
About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is dedicated to the development and promotion of the circular economy, aiming to create a system that is restorative and regenerative by design. We focus on research, business collaboration, and advocacy to hasten the shift from a linear to a circular economy globally. Over the past 15 years, our efforts have led to the establishment of strategic circular economy roadmaps in 75 countries and the adoption of circular economy strategies by 55% of businesses. We are now entering a new phase focused on the implementation and scaling of these strategies, particularly in the Global South and Global North.
The role As the Chief Operating Officer, you will hold a crucial strategic and operational leadership role within the Foundation. You will manage the day-to-day administrative and operational functions, ensuring they align with our mission, people, systems, and impact. Collaborating closely with the CEO and the global executive leadership team, your efforts will be pivotal in scaling our work worldwide while maintaining operational excellence, financial sustainability, and a thriving internal culture.
Job requirements We are looking for a candidate with over 15 years of senior operations leadership experience, preferably in the mission-driven sector or with a background in the private sector involving non-profit or philanthropic organizations. You should have a proven track record in managing complex organizational functions on a global scale and experience in developing new business and revenue models. A deep understanding of impact-oriented work, strong financial acumen, and a solid legal mindset are essential. Experience with technology infrastructure and a strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills are also required.
Benefits The Foundation offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work with a globally respected team. You will be at the forefront of one of the most critical transitions of our time, in a collaborative and forward-thinking workplace.
Applications details The desired starting date for this position is May 2026, with applications closing on January 23, 2026. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Barbara Callan. To apply, click on the green icon to upload your CV and covering letter.
