Manager, Operations (LATAM)

Smile Train

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As Smile Train's LATAM Operations Manager, you will lead the development and operation of the regional Project Management Office (PMO), creating the governance, structure, and operational discipline that enable cross-functional initiatives to be delivered effectively across Latin America. By coordinating strategic regional projects, driving accountability, standardizing processes, and embedding best practices, you will strengthen execution, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness throughout the region. In addition, you will serve as the region's operational backbone, supporting Finance, Legal, and HR functions, overseeing the administration of Smile Train's legal entities in Brazil and Mexico, and ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the São Paulo office. Through this combination of project leadership and operational excellence, you will help build a scalable operating model that enables sustainable growth and greater impact across Latin America.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project or Operations Management, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in operations, project management, business operations, or a related function.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and coordinating multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Experience establishing or working within a Project Management Office (PMO), with demonstrated success in implementing project governance, managing cross-functional initiatives, and driving organizational execution.
Experience working in a regional and/or global organization with cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience supporting operational processes across Finance, Legal, HR, Procurement, and vendor management.
Familiarity with ERP, CRM, and project management systems (e.g., Asana, Salesforce, or similar).
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with project management and collaboration platforms.
Professional fluency in English and Portuguese (written and spoken).

Nice To Haves

Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum, or equivalent).
Experience working in a matrixed, multinational, or nonprofit organization.
Experience supporting legal entity operations and compliance across multiple countries.
Professional proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.
Self-starter with a high level of ownership, accountability, and integrity.
Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills with strong attention to detail.
Highly systems-savvy, with the ability to quickly learn and optimize new technologies and digital tools.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical thinking with a continuous improvement mindset.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-performing, and matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

Establish, lead, and continuously strengthen the LATAM Project Management Office (PMO), creating governance, standards, tools, and processes that improve project execution across the region.
Manage the portfolio of regional strategic initiatives, ensuring clear planning, prioritization, accountability, risk management, and timely delivery.
Coordinate cross-functional projects across regional and global teams, facilitating collaboration, communication, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Develop and maintain project management methodologies, reporting frameworks, dashboards, and knowledge-management practices to support informed decision-making.
Prepare operational reports, dashboards, and analyses to support leadership decision-making and regional planning.
Drive operational excellence by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and standardize ways of working across the region.
Lead the planning and coordination of regional leadership meetings, including agenda development, presentation preparation, meeting documentation, action-item tracking, and follow-up to ensure execution and accountability.
Oversee the administration and operational compliance of Smile Train's legal entities in Brazil and Mexico, working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
Support regional Finance, Legal, and Human Resources operations, ensuring effective coordination of administrative processes and compliance requirements.
Manage regional vendor relationships, contracts, accounts payable processes, and other operational support services.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the region, while supporting teams in adopting related practices, tools, and ways of working.
Provide oversight for the São Paulo office operations, ensuring an efficient, safe, and well-functioning workplace that enables regional teams and supports programs operations.