Head of Operations

Job Description

At Kyoto Group, our mission is to make renewable energy the easy and reliable choice for industry. Our thermal battery technology enables industrial customers to replace fossil fuels with clean electricity for heat production, without compromising efficiency, reliability, or cost.

Industrial heat accounts for nearly half of global energy consumption, making it one of the most critical frontiers in the energy transition. By storing renewable electricity as heat and delivering it when needed, we enable industries to fully leverage variable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Kyoto Group is not only delivering technology, we are also accelerating the transition to a low-carbon industrial system.

Kyoto's vision

Kyoto Group is named after the Kyoto Protocol, the landmark international treaty that laid the foundation for global climate action. Just as the Protocol paved the way for agreements like the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Group is helping set the stage for a cleaner, more sustainable industrial future.

About the role

The Head of Operations at Kyoto Group is responsible for building and leading the company's global service and operations organization, overseeing the deployment, operation, and long-term performance of Kyoto's Heatcube installations.

As a member of Kyoto's leadership team, the role will shape the company's operational strategy during its scale-up phase, ensuring reliable delivery, operation, and service across a growing installed base.

Working closely with engineering, product, and commercial teams, the Head of Operations will establish the systems, processes, and partner networks required to ensure high reliability, operational efficiency, and strong customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Kyoto's service and operations strategy to support reliable, scalable Heatcube deployments.
• Build and lead a high-performing operations organization, including internal teams and external service partners.
• Establish the operational frameworks, processes, and systems required to deploy, operate, and service Heatcube installations across a growing installed base.
• Ensure high asset reliability, system performance, and lifecycle value through effective maintenance strategies and operational excellence.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and service-level targets to drive performance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee HSE compliance and promote a strong safety culture across all operational activities and partners.
• Work closely with engineering, product, and commercial teams to ensure effective deployment, operational readiness, and lifecycle support of Kyoto systems.
• Provide operational insight and performance reporting to the leadership team to support strategic planning, asset performance management, and growth readiness.

Required skills & experiences

• 12+ years of leadership experience in operations, service, or maintenance within energy, industrial, or process industries.
• Proven experience managing complex service operations across multiple sites or regions.
• Strong knowledge of industrial maintenance strategies such as CBM, PM, and FMEA, as well as asset management frameworks.
• Familiarity with digital operational technologies such as SCADA, DCS, CMMS, and remote monitoring systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performance teams and global partner networks.
• Strong financial and operational planning skills, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance tracking.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional European languages are an advantage.

Who are you?

• Strategic and execution-focused leader with deep operational expertise in asset-intensive environments.
• Able to combine high-level strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership.
• Skilled at translating complex technical and operational challenges into scalable, repeatable processes.
• Proven track record in developing high-performing teams and fostering a strong safety culture.
• Resilient decision-maker capable of navigating both board-level strategy and operational realities.
• Trusted cross-functional leader who effectively bridges technical teams, partners, and executive stakeholders.
• Passionate about contributing to Kyoto's mission of accelerating the green energy transition.

Location

The role can be based in Oslo or Sevilla, with remote work possible for the right candidate. Regardless of location, close collaboration with Kyoto's leadership team in Oslo and engineering teams in Sevilla will be required.

As Kyoto expands its deployed asset base, the role will also involve frequent engagement with operational sites and partners across Europe, including regular travel.

Are you eager to join a fast-growing scale-up at the forefront of the energy transition?

At Kyoto Group, we give our people the freedom and responsibility to take ownership, innovate, and solve complex challenges, while making a real contribution to decarbonising industry.

We are building a diverse and collaborative workplace where people from different backgrounds unite around a shared mission: enabling renewable thermal energy for industry.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, travel, life insurance, and pension, and a flexible work environment that supports growth and collaboration. From professional development to team events and seasonal celebrations, we invest in our people and the culture we build together.

Send your CV to [email protected]