Clare James-Roll

Global People, Operations and Transformation Leader with a track record of scaling organisations, leading international operations and delivering organisational change across Europe and Africa. Trusted advisor to CEOs, Boards and senior leadership teams with expertise spanning organisational transformation, people strategy, governance, programme delivery and operational leadership. Successfully built scalable global operating frameworks, supported operations across 8 countries, delivered 32 Board meetings and led 30 international recruitment campaigns.

Seeking senior Programme Management, Transformation, Operations Leadership, Chief of Staff or Consulting opportunities with a remote-first organisation and international scope. Eligible to travel internationally and experienced working across Africa, Europe and remote global environments.

Senior People & Operations Manager at Education Sub-Saharan Africa (2021-10 – Present)

Promoted into a senior leadership role during a period of rapid international growth, supporting the evolution from a European start-up to a fully remote global organisation operating across Europe and Africa.

• Strategic advisor to the Executive Team and Board on organisational design, workforce planning, governance and people strategy across 8 countries.
• Built and scaled the organisation's global People function, supporting a workforce of 33 employees operating across multiple international locations.
• Led 30 international recruitment campaigns, strengthening organisational capability and supporting sustainable growth.
• Directed the selection and implementation of a global HRIS platform, improving operational efficiency, reporting capability and employee experience.
• Developed and implemented organisation-wide governance frameworks, policies and leadership guidance covering compensation, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, remote working and international travel.
• Led cross-functional operational planning alongside Finance, IT and Administration teams, improving organisational effectiveness and delivery.
• Successfully planned and delivered 32 Board meetings and governance events, ensuring effective decision-making and executive oversight.
• Directed the planning and delivery of 12 international leadership workshops, company events and strategic meetings across Africa, delivered within budget and to executive standards.
• Built, coached and developed high-performing teams while embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Executive Operations & People Manager at Education Sub-Saharan Africa (2018-09 – 2021-09)

Joined during the start-up phase to support the CEO and establish foundational HR operations.

• Partnered directly with the CEO, Board members, funders and multinational stakeholders during organisational establishment and growth.
• Designed and implemented the organisation's first people policies, onboarding framework and operational processes.
• Led selection and implementation of the organisation's first HRIS platform.
• Supported business continuity and organisational resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic through the implementation of remote working systems and processes.
• Established governance and administrative frameworks supporting recruitment, travel, finance administration and learning activities.

Overseas Operations Manager at Adventure Lifesigns (2017-05 – 2018-09)

Planned and delivered international expeditions for groups of young adults.

• Led international expedition programmes across multiple continents.
• Managed logistics, risk, compliance, safeguarding and stakeholder communications.
• Delivered leadership and personal development experiences for young adults in challenging environments.
• Directed operational planning, crisis management and programme delivery in remote locations.

Career Break (2012-07 – 2017-05)

Executive Assistant to General Manager at Nokia UK & Ireland (2008-05 – 2012-07)

Provided executive support to the General Manager of Nokia UK & Ireland.

• Supported General Manager of a major telecommunications business operating across the UK and Ireland.
• Managed executive communications and engagement with senior international stakeholders.
• Led planning and delivery of large-scale corporate events and leadership meetings with annual budgets exceeding £1m.
• Coordinated complex international travel, executive briefings and strategic business activities.

Programme Manager at Adventure Lifesigns (2007-01 – 2008-05)

Sole point of contact for schools, staff and students organising overseas expeditions.

• Coordinated expeditions for 200+ students across nine schools, managing training, finance, travel and itineraries.
• Led six-week expeditions to Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Nepal, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Personal Assistant to Intellectual Property Team at Nokia UK & Ireland (2005-07 – 2006-12)

Supported seven technical attorneys within the Intellectual Property Rights department during high growth period.

• Managed complex diaries, extensive international travel and meeting logistics.
• Produced minutes, tracked actions and prepared statistical reports for Nokia HQ in Finland.

BA (Hons) in Public Administration & Management