Operations Manager, Serbia

About NIRAS and our regional growth ambitions

NIRAS is an international consulting company delivering advisory services and technical assistance projects worldwide. We have a strong and growing presence in the EU Neighbourhood and Accession region, supporting institutional development, sustainable growth and reform processes through projects funded by the EU, international financial institutions and other development partners.

The EU Neighbourhood and Accession region is a strategic growth priority for NIRAS. Our Regional Hub brings together the complementary strengths of our Serbia and Poland offices and connects them more closely with expertise and resources across NIRAS.

Our Serbia office is a cornerstone of our regional growth strategy, with experienced staff, a strong track record in project delivery and an established presence in Serbia and the wider Western Balkans. Our ambition is to build on these strengths, further develop the office and create new opportunities for our colleagues across the region.

About the role

The Operations Manager is responsible for strengthening the effective day-to-day functioning of NIRAS Serbia, with a particular focus on people management, resource coordination and project delivery support. Working closely with the Regional Hub Director, Commercial Director, Finance Manager and project managers, the Operations Manager will ensure that people and resources are deployed effectively, operational challenges are addressed promptly and teams collaborate well across projects and business activities.

Key Responsibilities

People Management and Resources

• Act as the primary focal point for day-to-day staff management and employee support.
• Conduct regular staff check-ins and follow up on workload, operational and well-being matters.
• Monitor workload and resource allocation, identifying capacity constraints and bottlenecks.
• Support managers and staff in setting priorities and balancing competing demands.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding and integration of new employees.
• Coordinate performance review, training and professional development processes in collaboration with relevant managers.
• Promote a positive, collaborative and well-functioning working environment.
• Support workforce and resource planning together with the Regional Hub Director and relevant managers.

Project Delivery and Operational Support

• Support project managers in ensuring effective operational and administrative processes.
• Coordinate logistics, mobilisation and practical arrangements for project staff and international experts.
• Help resolve operational and resource constraints affecting project delivery.
• Facilitate effective sharing of staff and resources across projects and business activities.
• Take on Project Manager or Project Director roles for selected assignments, providing effective delivery leadership, client engagement and project oversight.
• Identify operational risks and recurring delivery issues and escalate significant matters to the Regional Hub Director.

Corporate Processes and Compliance

• Support colleagues responsible for EU procedures and the implementation of NIRAS’ Code of Conduct, business integrity standards and compliance framework.
• Promote practical and efficient business processes in line with applicable rules and good practice.
• Promote the responsible and effective use of AI and digital tools to improve collaboration, efficiency and quality of work.
• Help staff apply relevant procedures and identify areas for improvement.

Business Support Coordination

• Provide operational input to the Finance Manager on resource needs, project logistics, procurement priorities and office arrangements affecting staff or delivery.
• Coordinate with the Finance Manager and Office Manager to resolve cross-functional operational issues office administration remains with the respective functions.

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, Economics, Law or another relevant field.

Experience

• At least five years of relevant experience in operations, people management, resource coordination or business administration, preferably in consulting or professional services.
• Experience working in an international organisation, consulting company, development organisation, engineering company or other professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in staff management, workload coordination and employee support.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Experience coordinating across project teams, management and corporate support functions is an advantage.

Skills and Competences

• Strong people management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational, coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to identify workload and capacity issues and help develop practical solutions.
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• High level of integrity and discretion.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to consider resource and cost implications when proposing operational solutions.
• Ability to work effectively across different teams and functions in an international organisation.

Languages

• Serbian: Native or fluent.
• English: Professional working proficiency, written and spoken.
• French: Desirable.

What We Offer

• A visible operational role with the opportunity to shape people and resource management practices in a growing regional hub.
• Close cooperation with senior management and experienced colleagues in Serbia, Poland and the wider NIRAS organisation.
• Regional and international exposure through work supporting consulting assignments and project teams.
• A collaborative working environment with opportunities for professional development and meaningful impact.
• A competitive remuneration and benefits package.
   

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short motivation letter in English through the application channel stated in the vacancy notice or by email to kip@niras.com, using “Operations Manager” as the subject line. Please apply by 13 November 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. NIRAS is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds.