Vice President Operations

We are looking for a VP Operations for our client forward-earth.

About forward earth

At forward earth, we envision a world where sustainability and decarbonisation are not just buzzwords but fundamental business practices. Our mission is to accelerate that transformation - fast.

We provide embedded carbon management software that empowers our partners to offer decarbonisation tools directly to their customers. From product-level footprints to actionable supply chain insights, our SaaS platform helps organisations reduce emissions at scale, backed by cutting-edge AI, high automation, and a deep focus on real-world climate impact.

We are a hybrid team working with ambitious companies across the world - and we are just getting started.

The Role

We are hiring a VP Operations to build and own the operational backbone of forward earth. This is a broad, high-impact role that sits at the intersection of Finance, People, Strategy, and Day-to-Day Operations. You will report directly to the founders and play a central role in how we run and scale the company.

You will lead a small team of 2–3 people and be responsible for building the systems, processes, and culture that enable our business to grow sustainably.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys both operational detail and strategic thinking, and wants to shape how a fast-moving early-stage company operates from the inside.

Your Responsibilities

Finance

• Financial Planning: Own budgeting and controlling – maintaining and improving our financial model, updating actuals, and refining forecasts for hiring, burn, and revenue.
• Business Case: Own the business case together with the CEO to drive long-term strategic planning and evaluate business expansions.
• Investor Relations: Build clear reporting on cash, runway, and key financial KPIs; prepare materials for board and advisor updates.
• Accounting & Compliance: Oversee day-to-day accounting with our external firm, including closing activities and tax-related administration (HGB/IFRS standards).

People

• Performance Culture: Drive a high-performance culture through structured performance management, including goal-setting and feedback frameworks.
• Recruiting: Own processes end-to-end: from role scoping and sourcing to onboarding and ramp-up.
• Culture & Experience: Shape forward earth's culture, ensuring our values and rituals translate into a strong employee experience.
• Leadership: Manage and develop your own team of 2–3 people.

Strategy

• Strategy Process: Lead the company's strategy process, facilitating OKR cycles and quarterly reviews with the leadership team.
• Accountability: Maintain clear tracking and reporting on OKRs and company-wide goals.
• Thought Partnership: Act as a strategic partner to the founders on priorities and key decisions.

Operations

• Day-to-Day Ops: Keep operational workflows, internal tools, and administrative processes running smoothly.
• Infrastructure: Manage office management, vendor relationships, and facilities.
• IT & Tooling: Oversee our software stack, licenses, and access management.
• Scaling: Identify bottlenecks and build documentation as the company scales.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: Several years in broad operations, Chief of Staff, or Finance leadership (SaaS/Tech/Startup background; Consulting is a plus).
• Financial Foundation: Comfortable with financial modelling, cash planning, and accounting concepts (HGB/IFRS).
• Automation Mindset: Affinity for building automated processes to run a lean and efficient Ops department.
• People Skills: General knowledge in recruiting, performance management, and culture development.
• Mindset: Structured, reliable, and detail-oriented. You identify problems and drive solutions proactively.
• Communication: Excellent English; strong German skills (essential for interfacing with German authorities).

Why Join forward earth?

• Impact: Shape how a fast-growing climate tech company operates from the highest level.
• Exposure: Work directly with experienced founders on strategic decisions and fundraising.
• Autonomy: Lead a small, high-ownership team in a low-ego environment.
• Flexibility: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid/remote setup (Berlin-based), and full-time or part-time options.
• Growth: Significant long-term potential as we scale globally.