Operations Manager

Job Description

Operations Manager Youth Program | Quest Alliance

Are you passionate about making systems smarter, finances sharper, and impact stronger

At Quest Alliance, were looking for an Operations Manager to join our Youth Program team in Bangalore. This role sits at the intersection of finance, systems, and program delivery, where youll shape smarter decisions, support project excellence, and build donor confidence. If you thrive on connecting numbers, people, and processes, this is your opportunity to drive meaningful change at scale.

At Quest Alliance, we transform learning ecosystems through education technology, capacity building, and collaboration to build 21st-century skills for learners and facilitators. We are a not-for-profit trust that focuses on research-led innovation and advocacy in the field of teaching and learning. We work with educators, civil society, government institutions, and corporate organizations to create scalable and replicable solutions in school education and vocational training.

At Quest, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills to address critical challenges around quality education and skills training. You will also find the space to learn and grow in a fun, engaging environment, working with a diverse team drawn from fields including education, technology, design, and youth development.

About the Role

The Operations Manager will play a strategic role at the intersection of finance, systems, and program delivery within MyQuest, our Youth Program. This role requires not just operational oversight, but also financial management, data analysis, system building, and donor partnership support.

You will:

- Manage financial resources by ensuring efficient allocation, tracking spend patterns, and generating insights that shape smarter budgeting and decision-making.
- Enable project excellence by equipping project leads with systems, tools, and operational support to manage resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Drive adoption of technology-enabled systems that strengthen program planning, delivery, and compliance.
- Support donor partnerships through clarity of communication, timely reporting, and relationship management that builds confidence and credibility.

This role will suit someone who thrives on connecting the dots between numbers, people, and systems and is motivated to ensure impact at scale.

Key Responsibilities

- Work closely with project leads, finance, regional teams, fundraising, and thematic teams to manage financial resource allocation within compliance frameworks.
- Conduct financial analysis to identify deviations, patterns, and opportunities for optimization.
- Partner with finance and fundraising teams to design budgets, track utilization, and ensure reports are accurate, timely, and aligned with donor expectations.
- Strengthen and monitor project management and grant management systems, ensuring teams use them consistently.
- Review contracts, MoUs, and agreements for compliance and operational efficiency.
- Support project leads in managing resources, timelines, and risks.
- Consolidate program progress and financial reports for leadership, business development, and donors, ensuring clarity and actionable insights.
- Serve as a bridge to donors and stakeholders, ensuring strong communication and professional engagement.
- Contribute financial and operational inputs to new projects and expansion opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

- Degree in Project Management, Operations, or Finance (postgraduate preferred).
- Certifications in program, grants, or financial management (desirable).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations, consulting, project management, or grants management, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, grants, and compliance, with knowledge of CSR laws and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong record of using data and analysis to drive decisions on budgeting and resource allocation.
- Experience with digital project management tools and comfort with adopting new technologies.
- Ability to engage donors, partners, and diverse stakeholders with professionalism and clarity.

Skills & Competencies

- Financial intelligence: ability to analyze numbers, spot trends, and translate them into actionable insights.
- Systems thinking: skilled at building and ensuring adherence to tech-enabled processes.
- Project management: strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Communication: clear writing and speaking; ability to simplify complexity.
- Collaboration: ability to support project leads and enable cross-team success.
- Adaptability and problem-solving: comfort with ambiguity and proactive in finding solutions.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion: awareness of gender and social sensitivity in education and the workplace.
- Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with digital collaboration platforms.
- Strong alignment with Quest Alliance values: compassion, courage, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Willingness to travel across India as required.

Why Join Us

At Quest, you will:

- Shape the future of youth skilling in India.
- Work at the intersection of finance, technology, and social impact.
- Be part of a mission-driven, future-ready team that values learning and innovation.
- Grow in a culture that balances professional excellence with fun and curiosity.

Location: Bangalore, India

Apply now and be part of Quest Alliances journey to empower millions of young people.