Manager, Operations (LATAM)

Organizational Overview 

Smile Train is the world’s leading cleft-focused organization. Our goal is to transform the lives of every person impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our patients with free, life-changing, comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach more than 2 million children in 90+ countries in the past 25 years, and we still feel like we’ve just started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time!

Make a Difference!

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.

Reports To

Regional Director, LATAM

Key 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.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, proactive, and systems-savvy professional with strong project management capabilities and experience coordinating cross-functional work in a regional or multi-country environment. They are comfortable creating structure where it does not yet exist, driving disciplined follow-up, and turning strategy into execution. They combine operational rigor with strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and a service-oriented mindset, while navigating Finance, Legal, HR, and administrative processes with attention to detail. They thrive in a fast-paced, high-performing, matrixed organization and are comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments across multiple functions and geographies. They adapt quickly to changing priorities, continuously seek opportunities to improve processes, leverage technology, and increase organizational effectiveness. Strong ownership, collaboration, and the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders and cultures are essential for success in this role.

Required Education and Experience

• 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).

Preferred Education and Experience

• 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.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• 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.

Compensation

USD 30,000 – USD 34,000/year

Travel
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Accountability Expectations

• Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.


• Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities.


• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.
  


• Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role


• Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Why You’ll Love Working Here!

Meaningful Work – Be part of work that creates meaningful, lasting impact — changing the world one smile at a time.

We’ve Got You Covered – Prioritize the health of you and your family with top tier, private health insurance.

Rest and Recharge - Enjoy a generous vacation package, paid holidays, and sick time so you can rest, recharge, and return feeling your best.

Family Matters - We support employees through life’s most important moments with paid parental leave, giving you time and flexibility for the people who matter most.

Mind Your Mental – Free access to professional mental health counseling to keep you grounded.

Learn and Grow - Take advantage of an annual professional development stipend and opportunities to expand your skills and continue learning.

Work Your Way - Balance collaboration and flexibility with our hybrid work model, based out of our conveniently located Midtown Manhattan office.

Travel the World – See our impact firsthand while partnering with global colleagues and programs through opportunities for domestic and international travel.

Application Process

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.

To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. Only those who provide a cover letter as directed will be considered. We encourage interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible