Operations Strategic Initiatives Manager

Stifel•Saint Louis, MO

About The Position

The Operations Strategic Initiatives Manager is responsible for leading projects in Operations - including regulatory, strategic, and process improvement initiatives, from inception through implementation. This role serves as the primary driver for assigned projects, ensuring appropriate stakeholders are identified and engaged, objectives remain aligned to business priorities, and initiatives are delivered successfully and on schedule. The position requires partnering across Operations, Technology, Risk, Compliance, Third-Party Vendors, and other business areas to facilitate collaboration, resolve challenges, and drive meaningful outcomes. The Operations Strategic Initiatives Manager must be able to quickly develop a strong understanding of business processes and project content, ask insightful questions, and guide teams toward informed decisions while ensuring projects continue progressing in a strategic and efficient manner. Success in this role requires a strategic, results-oriented leader who can effectively manage complex initiatives, influence stakeholders, remove barriers, and drive execution through strong project management, organizational agility, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience leading complex, division wide initiatives from initial discovery through implementation.
Ability to quickly understand operational processes, identify gaps and dependencies, and translate complex business needs into clear plans and recommendations.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate competing priorities, surface risks, and guide teams toward informed decisions.
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and build alignment across business areas and leadership levels without relying on direct authority.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor information for various levels including executive leaders, Operations groups and project teams.
Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives while maintaining attention to priorities, commitments, and delivery quality.
Sound judgment and the ability to work effectively in situations involving ambiguity, changing priorities, or sensitive business matters.
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, operations, technology, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
8+ years of relevant experience in operations, project leadership, business analysis, financial services, technology implementation, or a related field.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of project management software (e.g., as Jira and Smartsheet) preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Operations Technology Solutions & Project Support Director, Managing Director, and Operations Executive Directors to establish and drive strategic priorities across the division.
Meet with Operations leaders to understand new projects, creating resources to facilitate discussion, identify priorities, and create visibility across the division.
Build a strong understanding of operational processes and business nuances to guide initiatives toward the most strategic and impactful outcomes.
Develop clear recommendations, decision materials, and status reporting to support timely leadership decisions.
Partner with Executive Directors and Directors to ensure consistency in messaging and execution.
Connect teams, leadership, and resources to remove roadblocks and keep initiatives moving forward.
Foster alignment across Operations so teams remain focused on what matters most.
Drive the execution and maintenance of project plans, timelines, milestones, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder communications to ensure successful project delivery.
Translate complex business needs into actionable project plans and ensure alignment with organizational goals and priorities.