About Us
Coral Gardeners is a dynamic global movement founded by passionate surfers and freedivers in Mo’orea, French Polynesia, to restore coral reefs and protect ocean ecosystems. Since 2017, we've grown into an international collective, empowering local communities and driving innovative solutions to save coral reefs. With over 100,000 corals planted and millions engaged globally, we are committed to scaling our efforts to plant one million corals and ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.
Position overview
We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our growing team and expand our network of corporate supporters. Under the supervision of the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of Coral Gardeners’ operations. He/she plays a central role in coordinating departments, overseeing projects, and translating the strategic vision into concrete actions. The COO ensures that all activities align with the organization’s main mission: restoring coral reefs and raising awareness of their importance.
Key Responsibilities
Team Supervision and Coordination:
- Oversee the operations team to ensure alignment with Coral Gardeners' mission and strategic objectives.
- Provide strategic direction and ensure the timely completion of key projects.
- Foster coordination between departments to maximize efficiency and synergy.
- Monitor progress to ensure all activities meet organizational, environmental, and scientific goals.
- Manage recruitment, training, and professional development of key staff.
- Promote an organizational culture based on collaboration, performance, and innovation.
- Ensure effective communication between local teams, international branches, and central departments.
Operational and Strategic Management:
- Oversee daily operations, including coral reef restoration projects, awareness initiatives, and logistical activities.
- Translate the CEO's vision into concrete operational plans and define short, medium, and long-term strategic objectives.
- Optimize internal processes to ensure efficient execution in line with strategic goals.
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for growth, improvement, and diversification of activities.
Budget and Resource Management:
- Collaborate with the CFO to plan, manage, and optimize operational budgets.
- Identify cost-reduction opportunities and ensure efficient resource management while maintaining project quality.
- Ensure that the projects under the COO’s supervision (strategy, international expansion, reef restoration, and coral farm) are adequately resourced for success.
Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management:
- Ensure operational compliance with local and international regulations, particularly legal and environmental requirements.
- Identify, evaluate, and develop emergency plans for operational, financial, and legal risks related to the services under supervision.
- Oversee the safety of operations, particularly during marine activities or innovative projects like the coral farm.
External Relations and Representation:
- Serve as the main point of contact for external partners and stakeholders.
- Represent Coral Gardeners at global forums, conferences, workshops, or in the media, promoting the organization’s mission.
- Oversee negotiations and the execution of contracts with suppliers, partners, and other third parties.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills:
- Expertise in multisite operations management and strategic planning.
- In-depth knowledge of environmental issues and/or experience in social or ecological impact organizations.
- Proficiency in budget and financial management, with proven experience in resource optimization.
Personal Skills:
- Proven leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities in complex contexts.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- A strong affinity for environmental missions and marine conservation efforts.
Location and Contract
- Location: Willingness to relocate to Moorea, French Polynesia, is required, as all operations are based there. If not based locally, the candidate should be able to be on-site for at least half of the year.
- Contract: Employee contract if based in French Polynesia; freelance contract if working remotely.
- Languages: Fluent in English and French.
