Sr. Manager, Strategic Operations

Worker Type

Job Description

 

Summary

The Sr. Manager, Strategic Operations plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient operation and strategic execution of initiatives within the COO's office. This individual will act as a key strategic partner to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), providing operational support, overseeing critical projects, and driving process improvements across various departments. The Sr. Manager, Strategic Operations will also be a primary liaison between the COO and senior leadership, facilitating communication, aligning priorities, and ensuring the alignment of resources with corporate objectives.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution:

• Works closely with the COO to develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals. Assists in setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

Project Management:

• Oversees critical projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives. Manages cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives.

Operational Efficiency:

• Identifies and recommends process improvements across the organization to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and optimize resource allocation.

Communication & Stakeholder Management:

• Serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate communication. Facilitates meetings, prepare briefings, and provides updates to senior leadership on key initiatives.

Problem Solving & Decision Support:

• Assists the COO with complex decision-making by analyzing data, providing insights, and offering solutions to operational challenges. Manages the prioritization of initiatives based on business needs and impact.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance. Leads and mentors junior staff within the COO's office, developing talent and ensuring a high level of engagement.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

• Works closely with functional leaders in engineering, operations, legal, P&C, and finance to ensure alignment and execution of operational strategies and initiatives.

Risk Management:

• Identifies potential risks to operational performance and works proactively to mitigate these risks. Develops contingency plans to address issues in a timely and effective manner.

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in an operational leadership role, preferably in the defense, aerospace, or technology sectors.

• Minimum of 4-6 years supervisory experience.

• Experience in defense technology or a similar industry, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and regulations in the sector, is highly preferred.

• Proven track record in managing large-scale, cross-functional projects with high visibility.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a strategic focus on long-term goals.

• High degree of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

• Ability and willingness to travel 25% of the time, as required, with varied commitments

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• MBA or other advanced degree preferred

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Expertise in regulatory compliance, supply chain optimization, and operational risk management.

• Ability to lead large, complex teams and drive organizational change within a global setting.

• Experience with industry-standard operation