At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence in forest restoration projects across West Africa.
- Company: Join Rainforest Builder, a leader in tropical forest restoration with a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant travel and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming operations for sustainable environmental impact.
- Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills and experience in operational performance assessment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
About the Organisation
Rainforest Builder is a large-scale tropical forest restoration company operating in West Africa, focused on restoring degraded, biodiverse ecosystems through long-term, community-centred projects. With operations across multiple countries, a workforce of 2,000+ employees, and thousands of hectares already restored, the organisation is scaling towards 100,000+ hectares under management in the next three years. Projects are long-term and aligned with leading international standards (e.g. VERRA VCS, CCB), delivering measurable climate, biodiversity, and socioeconomic outcomes in partnership with global organisations and local communities.
The Role
Sitting in the co-CEO Office, you will be the co-CEO's right hand on operational execution — diagnosing gaps, designing systems, and embedding them across projects and functions. The role is not tied to a single function. You will move across priority areas (forest protection, restoration, livelihoods, ESG), going deep on one problem at a time and leaving behind scalable systems. This is a hands-on transformation role: diagnose → design → implement → embed. Your mandate is to take us from project-based execution to repeatable systems, bringing structure, accountability, and leadership visibility to fast-scaling operations across geographies. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports — your influence comes from structured thinking, rigour, and trust, not headcount.
Requirements
- Diagnostics: Rapidly assess operational performance, identify bottlenecks, and prioritise high-impact interventions.
- System design: Build SOPs, workflows, and decision-making processes that are practical, field-ready, and scalable.
- Performance able to move between strategy and execution seamlessly.
- Credible and composed in senior stakeholder environments — able to hold your own with executives, partners, and government counterparts.
- Equally effective with field teams and in the boardroom.
- Low ego, high ownership, strong bias for action, and resilient in ambiguous, fast-changing settings.
- Willing to travel frequently and spend real time in the field.
- Motivated by long-term environmental and social impact.
- Experience in emerging markets preferred.
Location
West Africa (Ghana / Sierra Leone) preferred; London considered. Frequent site travel required (strict minimum requirement of 15 weeks travel per year if London-based).
Head of Operational Excellence (Rainforest Builder) employer: Semata.ai (Kupa)
Rainforest Builder is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental restoration in West Africa. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, team members are empowered to innovate and implement scalable systems that drive impactful change. The organisation's focus on community-centred projects and international standards ensures that employees are part of a mission that not only enhances biodiversity but also supports local livelihoods, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Excellence (Rainforest Builder)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Rainforest Builder. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there and show your passion for operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company's projects and values. Understand their approach to ecosystem restoration and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them scale their operations effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've diagnosed operational gaps and implemented systems in previous roles. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Rainforest Builder team and committed to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Excellence (Rainforest Builder)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for environmental and social impact shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely motivated by the mission of restoring ecosystems and supporting communities.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Highlight your relevant experience in operational excellence and system design. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've diagnosed issues, designed solutions, and implemented changes in previous roles. This helps us see your hands-on approach in action!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to align with the job description. Use keywords from the role, like 'diagnose', 'design', and 'embed', to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our vision.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Semata.ai (Kupa)
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Rainforest Builder's mission and projects. Understand their approach to restoring ecosystems and how they engage with local communities. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their values.
✨Demonstrate Your Diagnostic Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've identified operational bottlenecks and implemented effective solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your ability to diagnose and design systems that drive performance.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given the fast-changing nature of the role, highlight experiences where you've successfully navigated ambiguity and adapted to new challenges. Share stories that illustrate your resilience and ability to move seamlessly between strategy and execution.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've built trust and credibility in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate your readiness to hold your own in executive discussions.
