Sr. Manager, Strategy Operations

BarkleyOKRP•Kansas City, MO

2d•$80,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Sr. Manager of Strategy Operations supports the agency’s strategy teams across existing clients and new business opportunities. The role partners with stakeholders across Strategy, Intelligence, Communications Planning, Brand Leadership, Finance, Legal, and Project Management, as well as external research vendors and partners. The position calls for strong organization, attention to detail, and effective communication across all levels of the organization. The role supports project scoping and staffing, manages vendor relationships and research operations, tracks project deliverables and budgets, and provides transparency to stakeholders about risks to scope, budget, and timelines. It also champions AI integration and adoption of Strategy and Intelligence tools, while contributing to agency financial modeling, staffing efficiency, vendor negotiations, and AOR scoping. The position offers ongoing coaching and mentorship focused on operational leadership, business acumen, cross-functional influence, and team development.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of related experience and/or training.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability and desire to work autonomously, lead projects, and collaborate as part of a team.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to manage uncertainty and plan ahead.
Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly, service-minded, 'whatever it takes' attitude.
Strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

Support scoping and staffing plan development for project-based work and AOR clients.
Manage relationships for Strategy subscriptions and project-based vendors, including Mintel, Waldo, and Vytal.
Track and report Strategy & Intelligence tool expenses to Finance for client bill-back.
Identify and vet potential vendor partners to address unmet departmental needs.
Work with sample providers to source bids, manage recruiting, and fulfill incentives.
Support Intelligence and Strategy leads by scheduling IDIs, processing invoices, and finalizing contracts.
Serve as the point of contact for research participants regarding scheduling, participation, and incentives.
Track, manage, and drive deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously.
Own, maintain, and report on project plans, status, and hot lists for key projects.
Track decisions and prioritization that affect project budgets, cadence, scope, or timelines.
Provide stakeholders with transparency to mitigate risks to budgets, scope, and timelines.
Ensure project objectives and deliverables are documented, approved, and delivered to meet client needs and expectations.
Assist with onboarding new partners, including providing access to tools and Intelligence resources.
Champion AI use within the Strategy department, including identifying, vetting, and onboarding vendors and tools.
Schedule training on existing and new Strategy and Intelligence tools.