Strategic Operations Manager

Zelis • St. Louis, MO

2d • $115,000 - $145,350 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Operations Manager is part of the Payments Business Unit team. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, partnering closely with business unit leadership to both keep the operating engine running smoothly and help shape the next phase of growth. You’ll split your time between: Operational leadership — supporting the operating rhythm of the business unit, including key recurring meetings and quarterly planning cadences with the broader enterprise. Strategic projects — identifying, sizing, and evaluating new growth opportunities, markets, products, and partnerships. This is an ideal role for a structured problem-solving with strong business judgment, who is excited to partner with leadership and drive initiatives from analysis through execution.

Requirements

• 4+ years of professional experience, ideally with a background in management consulting, investment banking, or private equity
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills; comfortable building structured analyses from scratch
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex topics for executive audiences
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving between strategic thinking and tactical execution

Nice To Haves

• Startup or high-growth company experience is a plus
• Experience in healthcare, payments, or fintech is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

• Own and support the operating rhythm of the business unit, including monthly and quarterly cadences with the Enterprise
• Develop agendas, materials, and analyses to ensure meetings are efficient, data-driven, and decision-oriented
• Track follow-ups, decisions, and action items to drive accountability and execution
• Partner closely with Payments BU leadership, Finance and Enterprise Strategy
• Act as connective tissue between the business unit and the broader enterprise, ensuring alignment on priorities and decisions
• Influence prioritization and investment decisions through clear insights, structured analysis, and strong executive communication
• Lead and support strategic analyses to identify and evaluate new growth opportunities (e.g., new markets, products, customer segments, partnerships, or M&A themes)
• Build market sizing, financial models, and business cases to support investment decisions
• Conduct competitive and industry research to inform strategic recommendations
• Support senior leaders with clear, concise recommendations and executive-ready materials

Benefits

• 401k plan with employer match
• flexible paid time off
• holidays
• parental leaves
• life and disability insurance
• health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed