Chief Operating Officer

About the role

Pela Terra, a sustainable agriculture investment advisory platform based in Portugal, is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to become the operational centre of gravity for the company. The COO will professionalise the firm’s operations, allowing the founders to focus on strategy, fundraising and external positioning.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day company operations, including operating rhythm, internal systems, reporting, hiring and cross‑functional coordination.
• Serve as escalation point for operational issues and ensure regulatory integrity.
• Oversee portfolio operations and fund‑manager interfaces, managing signature chains, service‑level discipline, audits and compliance collaboration.
• Execute real‑asset processes: deal closings, monthly P&L reviews, water security, licensing and infrastructure capex with strict schedule and budget control.
• Support PTIII solar layer design and execution, including site selection, PPAs and operator structuring.
• Govern SPV governance, quarterly reviews, budgeting, operator accountability and capex sign‑off; act as director of PTIII portfolio companies where appointed.
• Maintain financial integrity with monthly visibility over fund and portfolio‑company P&L and cash, co‑owning budgets and close processes.
• Design liquidity and corporate transaction solutions such as refinancing, secondaries, PPAs and equity rounds.

Required profile

• Strong judgement, agency and leadership with a track record of taking ownership of complex operations.
• Ability to make high‑stakes decisions and manage multiple regulated entities.
• Comfort operating in a fast‑moving, technology‑forward environment.
• Willingness to work closely with founders while independently running the business.

Required skills