Senior Strategic Operations Analyst

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze business operations, manufacturing production process, various cost structures, and performance data to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, cost optimization, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop financial and operational models that connect business performance metrics to organizational objectives.
• Evaluate processes, workflows, and operational activities to identify performance gaps and recommend improvement opportunities.
• Partner with business leaders to develop, implement, and track operational improvement initiatives.
• Lead or support cross-functional projects focused on productivity improvements, resource utilization, process optimization, and business performance enhancement.
• Analyze key operational metrics and performance indicators to deliver actionable insights and recommendations.
• Conduct root cause analyses to identify drivers of operational challenges and develop solutions to improve outcomes.
• Support forecasting, capacity planning, workforce planning, and resource allocation efforts across the organization.
• Assist in evaluating investment opportunities, technology initiatives, and process improvement projects through financial and operational analysis.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, IT and Manufacturing Operations teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, dashboards, and recommendations to support business decision-making.
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives to ensure targeted results are achieved.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through data analysis and provide recommendations that support organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, economics, operations management, supply chain management, data analytics, engineering, mathematics, statistics or a related field. MBA or relevant professional certifications preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic operations, manufacturing operations and strategy, management consulting, operational excellence, supply chain analytics, corporate strategy, or related analytical roles. Experience supporting cross-functional business initiatives and performance improvement efforts. Proven experience leveraging data and analytics to drive business decisions and organizational outcomes. Experience supporting complex manufacturing or industrial operations preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting operations within advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, industrial equipment, electronics, defense, or similar production environments.
• Strong understanding of business performance management, cost optimization, and operational efficiency principles.
• Understanding of accounting in manufacturing environment (3-statements, chart of accounts), financial controls, inventory controls, and manufacturing costing.
• Experience with process improvement, operational excellence, or business transformation initiatives.
• Experience developing business cases, financial models, and executive presentations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and performance measurement frameworks.
• Experience working with enterprise systems, business intelligence tools, and large datasets.
• Familiarity with KPI development, dashboard reporting, and operational performance analysis.
• Experience supporting executive leadership with strategic recommendations and decision support.

Soft Skills

• Self-starter — able to initiate, plan, and drive work to completion without a detailed playbook.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive initiatives without direct authority.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple business functions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management capabilities.
• Able to synthesize complex data into clear and actionable business recommendations.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Adaptability and comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong judgment, decision-making, and prioritization skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel occasionally to business, operational, or customer locations as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing analysis, reporting, and planning activities.