Catalyst & Innovation Operations Manager

Catalyst & Innovation Operations Manager
Location: London, UK

About TM Forum

TM Forum is the global industry member alliance for telco and tech companies with over 800 communication service providers, vendors, hyperscalers, consultancies and system integrators, including the world’s top ten CSPs and top three hyperscalers. We aim to return the telco sector back to growth, through a move to AI-enabled agility and efficiency delivered by our three industry Missions: Composable IT & Ecosystems, Autonomous Networks, and AI and Data.

Our Missions are delivered through a flywheel of capabilities: Insight, Innovate, Collaborate, Educate and Scale, which are all brought to live through a global, year round program of digital and in person events.

Innovation Engine:

This role sits within the Innovate line of business, under The Innovation Engine. The Engine transforms ideas into real impact—taking concepts from early stages to production-ready solutions and beyond. Our members collaborate to move faster, think bigger, and innovate together. Learn more here: tmforum.org/innovate

As Innovation Operations Manager, you’ll report directly to the Head of Catalyst and play a key role in driving the success of the Engine. You’ll support logistics and operations across its three core elements: the Catalyst, Hackathon, and the Innovation Hub programmes.

Summary Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Manager to lead the end-to-end design and execution of operational processes across all Innovation Engine programs. This role will play a key part in enabling effective cross-functional delivery, while ensuring seamless alignment between internal teams and external stakeholders to drive successful program outcomes for growth.

Skills and Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to Catalyst & Innovation project teams, managing 70+ submissions, 50+ final projects, 200+ companies, and 1,000+ members annually.

• Report program updates & key metrics to the Head of Catalyst.

• Oversee CRM processes, including data entry, maintenance, and workflow management (Salesforce essential).

• Develop timelines and deadlines to ensure internal and external stakeholder alignment.

• Coordinate with cross-functional departments to maintain clear communication and operational consistency

• Lead & execute onsite delivery of Innovation activities at live events, including oversight of all operational aspects

• Address process and delivery needs across operations, providing proactive solutions and support.

• Serve as the central point of contact for internal and external inquiries, ensuring timely and professional communication

• Lead process creation, from design and implementation through to execution.

• Identify opportunities to enhance program processes and implement solutions to improve efficiency

• Track and manage financials and contracts to ensure alignment with program delivery and targets.

Desirable Qualifications and characteristics

• Bachelor's degree in business, events or related discipline or equivalent relevant experience

• At least 3-year prior experience in event planning / Project management/ Operations at a management level

• Highly organized and ability to manage priorities and deadlines

• Energetic and pro-active ‘can-do’ attitude

• Maintain professionalism and build strong relationships with staff, attendees, external vendors, sponsors, and members, even in high-pressure situations

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders

• Proven Career in operations with design and implementation of end-to-end processes

• Demonstrated ability to work independently & consistently meet deadlines in a remote setting

• Contribute & lead effectively within a team environment

• Must be willing to travel (international and domestic), including weekend travel, ~15%

• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Salesforce, Jira a plus

Diversity & Inclusion at TM Forum

TM Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.