Operations manager

The European Disability Forum is recruiting an Operations Manager.

Reports to: Executive Director

Application Deadline: 5 January 2026, 09:00 am Central European Time

Starting date: as soon as possible

Role Overview

The Operations Manager is a member of EDF’s management team, based at our secretariat in Brussels.

In cooperation with the management team, the Operations Manager will support the Executive Director in the development and implementation of EDF strategic and operational plans. The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operational management of the secretariat, including supervising staff and consultants, ensuring robust financial controls, human resource management, and optimising internal systems. The successful candidate will lead a diverse team, build continuous improvement, and uphold best practices in accordance with Belgian legislation and funding requirements, including towards the European Union. They will be an important pillar in our overall management and help us to ensure a positive and inclusive working environment.

The Operations Manager will support the Executive Director and governing bodies in maintaining the highest standards of governance and ethics.

Description of task and responsibilities:

• Financial planning, multi annual budget setting and financial reporting
• Management and oversight of financial, administrative and human resources processes.
• Preparation of monthly management accounts
• Providing financial information for monitoring of grants and contracts, including alerting project managers and the management team of underspending and overspending
• Budgeting and forecasting, including management of grant payments, co-financing, core expenditure, and salary and central costs apportionment to different projects
• Creating of analytical accounting codes together with the Funding and Grants Coordinator
• Maintaining communication with financial counterparts in partner and donor organisations, including the European Commission for our Operating Grant
• Continuous improvement to our accounting and financial management practices
• Supervision and support to staff and external experts involved in operations, human resources, fundraising and administration.
• Staying up to date on relevant legislation and ensuring EDF is compliant in the field of finance, administration and HR
• Fostering a healthy and productive environment for staff members, effective teamwork, and collaborative project delivery.

Communication

• Ensure financial procedures are well understood and communicated in writing, and during meetings and in training to all relevant staff and partners
• Answer and respond to e-mails and telephone calls related to finance

Financial Health of the organisation

• Supervise the daily accounting processes, including bookkeeping, payments, and income management in liaison with the Financial and Project staff and the external accountant
• Develop and maintain financial management systems, ensuring ongoing improvement and compliance.
• Prepare internal and external financial reports, annual accounts, and projections for EDF management, leadership and donors.
• Oversee budget planning, cash flow, invoicing, and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, and financial authorities.
• Plan and oversee external audits for the EU operating grant as well as the statutory accounts
• Revise EDF financial policies and procedures as needed
• Ensure EDF uses the most efficient, effective and accessible external service providers for our operations.

Funding Management

• Supervise the financial aspects of an EU Operating Grant including budgeting and reporting according to the required formats.
• Manage daily finances daily aligned with EU and other donors funding regulations.
• Draft and review specific reports related to projects and donors.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and deadlines.

All the above finance tasks are in cooperation with EDFs Finance Officer, Funding and Grants coordinator and with our external accountant.

Human Resources

In close cooperation with UCM, our social secretariat, and an external HR consultant the Operations Manager will:

• Oversee payroll administration.
• Manage recruitment processes, contract preparation, and onboarding.
• Contribute to the development of HR policies and ensure staff are informed of their rights and obligations.
• Maintain up-to-date internal rules and work regulations and supervise benefits and insurance administration.
• Ensure HR practices and processes are in line with and