Project Operations Lead

Sydney, Australia

About us

Pollination is a specialist climate change investment and advisory firm, accelerating the transition to a net zero, nature positive future.

Our people are the key to unlocking change. Brought together from across industries, we are global leaders in finance, investment, technology, business, law and policy.

We combine our diverse expertise to connect dots and see around corners where others can’t. With strong relationships at the highest levels of government and the private sector, we shift barriers and catalyse transformative partnerships.

Our Projects team originates and develops early-stage renewable energy, nature and climate opportunities. We progress projects through origination, scoping and feasibility, before introducing capital partners to support delivery. By applying discipline and expertise early, we enhance value, reduce risk, and deliver repeatable, investment-ready outcomes.

The opportunity

We are seeking a Project Operations Lead to join the Projects team on a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract (with potential extension), based in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth.

This role is responsible for building and managing the operational backbone of the Projects business. The position ensures project development activities are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and at pace, by integrating people, processes, systems, and external partners.

Responsibilities:

Lead and manage all operational aspects of the Projects business, by setting up and overseeing key internal support functions (HR, IT, finance, and Business Services).
Develop and implement fit-for-purpose systems, tools, and processes that enable the Projects team to operate with autonomy and efficiency, while maintaining alignment with corporate standards.
Support the design and implementation of a capital investment framework to guide decision-making and capital allocation.
Ensure alignment between Projects team operations and broader corporate frameworks and standards.
Prepare high-quality materials for Board and committee reporting, ensuring clarity, accuracy and timeliness.
Lead and coordinate project development workstreams, ensuring clear ownership, timelines and accountability across internal teams and external partners.
Establish and manage project governance cadence, including setting agendas, facilitating meetings, tracking actions and driving timely decision-making.
Maintain integrated project plans, monitoring progress against milestones, budgets and risks, and escalating issues as required.
Oversee governance processes to support disciplined project progression and investment approvals.
Partner with Corporate Finance on budgeting, forecasting and resource planning
Develop and track KPIs, identifying performance trends and driving continuous improvement.
Work closely with the executive team to align operational delivery with business priorities.
Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and internal standards.
Identify and manage operational risks across the project lifecycle.
Manage key vendor and service provider relationships, including contract negotiation and performance oversight.
Foster a high-performance, accountable and collaborative team environment.
Support capability development within the Projects team and broader organisation.

Must have

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field
3+ years of experience in operations management.
Proven track record of improving operational efficiency and driving business growth.
Proficiency with CRMs, MS Office, and advanced Excel skills.
Experience managing virtual data rooms.
Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and forecasting.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Highly desirable

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management, MBA, or related field.
Experience in renewable energy, decarbonisation, infrastructure or nature-based projects.
Experience in a startup or scaling business environment is highly desirable.

Qualities

Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Pragmatic, solutions-oriented, and comfortable operating in ambiguity.
Effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Commitment to sustainability and innovation in energy solutions.

You thrive in a fast-moving, fluid environment and have exceptional attention to detail. You are adaptable and proactive, calm under pressure and a great communicator – able to prioritise and effectively manage the needs of diverse stakeholders. You have a ferocious intellectual curiosity, an appetite for solving complex problems and are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. You are excited to work in a purpose-driven organisation and share our ambition and commitment to tackle the climate crisis. This is a 12-month contract, full-time role (with possible extension) with the flexibility to work outside of standard office hours when necessary.

You must hold the right to work in Australia.

Applying with Pollination

Pollination is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. We will then work with you to identify the best way to assist you through the recruitment process.