Senior Manager- Strategy and Operations
Swagelok · Solon, OH · Yesterday
ManagementFull-time
Position Summary
The Senior Manager, Strategy and Operations is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing strategic initiatives that advance Sales Support priorities and strengthen the Sales and Service Center (SSC) network.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Strategy, Planning, and Commercial Alignment
- Lead assigned strategic initiatives and operational programs that support successful delivery of Sales Support processes, programs, priorities, SSC performance, and execution of Swagelok’s commercial strategy.
- Research, develop, plan, and coordinate long-range goals, recommendations, and process improvements related to sales support operations, channel performance, channel policy, procedures, distributor expectations, organizational effectiveness, and future-state SSC operating models.
- Accountability for successful delivery of Distributor Action Plan (DAP) and Distributor Performance Plan (DPP) and SSC strategic planning activities, including planning inputs, stakeholder alignment, communications, follow-through, and integration of outputs into Sales Support priorities and channel actions.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for Strategic Sales to translate Differentiation-related expectations, priorities, and commercial strategies into clear SSC actions, implementation requirements, and communication plans.
- Provide connectivity across corporate Commercial teams by aligning messaging, priorities, technology initiatives, channel policies, DAP-related insights, and process improvements that affect Sales Support, Strategic Sales, Commercial IT, Markets, and the SSC network.
- Program, Project, and Technology Execution
- Lead or support major Sales Support programs, including Amplify workstreams, by coordinating project plans, managing workstream deliverables, supporting change management, and ensuring consistent updates to leadership and key stakeholders.
- Support Commercial IT initiatives, including annual projects, continuous improvement efforts, business process requirements, and commercial ownership or coordination responsibilities related to the PIM roadmap.
- Translate strategic expectations from Sales Support leadership, Strategic Sales, Commercial IT, Markets, and other stakeholders into discrete actions, project plans, communications, decision points, and measurable deliverables.
- Manage cross-functional project execution by aligning stakeholders, tracking milestones, identifying risks, communicating progress, preparing executive and distributor principal updates, and ensuring deliverables are completed in support of approved priorities.
- Channel Performance, Insights, and Talent Development
- Optimize and support channel reviews with Sales Support leadership, the Vice President, regional directors, and other commercial leaders to create an aligned view of SSC performance and identify opportunities for improvement, best-practice sharing, and follow-through.
- Better leverage DAP inputs across Commercial as a source of performance insight, best-practice sharing, knowledge transfer, continuous improvement, and prioritization of network-wide actions.
- Advance talent development processes for the SSC network by creating, maintaining, and standardizing approaches for evaluating, developing, and strengthening channel talent pipelines, including supporting use of programs such as GLP and the SSC Sales Excellence Program.
- Develop and maintain metrics, performance feedback models, and assessment approaches to evaluate operational effectiveness, channel performance, project outcomes, and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Governance, Communication, and Change Enablement
- Support governance, communication, and change management for strategic forums, programs, events, and initiatives, including strategy boards, channel updates, distributor-facing programs, executive or distributor principal updates, and cross-functional workstream communications.
- Elevate use of the strategy board by supporting agenda development, gathering input, facilitating alignment, documenting decisions, and driving actions that support channel priorities and SSC execution.
- Lead or support Sales Support events and distributor-facing forums to provide consistency, continuity of message, coordinated follow-up, and alignment of approach across regions and stakeholders.
- Provide transition support for SSC or channel-related changes by coordinating inputs, clarifying expectations, supporting communications, documenting actions, and helping ensure continuity for affected stakeholders.
- Process Improvement and Operational Effectiveness
- Optimize and simplify Sales Support work processes and workflows, including opportunities to reduce administrative work, improve role clarity, automate or standardize repeatable work, delegate appropriate activities, and increase scalability across the team and SSC network.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of business management, strategy, operations, project management, or commercial experience, preferably with a premium industrial brand. Experience across multiple business areas such as Sales, Operations, Finance, Business Administration, Organizational Management, Human Resources, or related functions is preferred. Global and organizational awareness are also preferred.
Skills/Knowledge
- Applies business, commercial, and operational knowledge at an organizational level.
- Demonstrates the ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Uses advanced problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills to develop practical recommendations and solutions.
- Buils rapport and influences a wide variety of stakeholders, including distributors, customers, internal departments, and senior management.
- Works effectively within a matrixed organization through strong communication, contextual understanding, prioritization, and leadership through influence.
- Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop clear messaging and support change leadership efforts.
- Demonstrates excellent computer and typical office software skills.
- Maintains agility to connect across multiple regions and time zones, including through virtual collaboration and occasional travel as business needs require.
Critical Competencies
- Strategic mindset
- Managing complexity
- Enabling change
- Planning and aligning
- Collaboration
Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Work is generally performed in an office or professional environment with frequent use of standard office equipment and virtual collaboration tools.
- Occasional travel may be required to support business needs, regional engagement, strategic programs, or SSC-related initiatives.
Swagelok Benefits
Swagelok provides a comprehensive package of valuable benefits called Total Rewards focused on health and wellness, compensation, retirement planning, and supplemental rewards.
Application Instructions
To apply: Click ‘Apply Now’ to the role of interest, upload your resume and complete the application. Those that match our qualifications will be contacted to schedule a phone interview.