Strategy and Operations Manager

Smokeball - Legal Software•Chicago, IL

2d•$105,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Smokeball is seeking a strategic, hands-on Strategy and Operations Manager to help bring its AI products to the US market and support the company’s growth. Working directly with the President, the role will drive strategic initiatives, connect teams, and turn ideas into execution. The position suits someone who enjoys solving problems, can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, and is willing to take on both strategic work and hands-on execution. This is a hybrid role based in Smokeball’s Chicago, Illinois office. Chicagoland employees are required to work in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in management consulting, strategy and operations, business operations, or a similarly demanding environment; exceptional earlier-career candidates are encouraged to apply.
Ability to independently own complex initiatives, work across functions, and deliver results.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to structure ambiguous problems and evaluate tradeoffs.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail across competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting recommendations to senior leadership.
Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and drive accountability without formal authority.
Proactive, resourceful mindset and bias for action.
Comfort working in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where processes may not yet exist.
Proficiency with spreadsheets, presentations, data analysis, and modern project management and collaboration tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a startup, early-stage, or high-growth environment.
Experience supporting a product or market launch.
Experience working with global or cross-border teams.
Familiarity with legal technology, SaaS, or professional services.

Responsibilities

Own critical cross-functional projects from planning through execution, beginning with the launch of AI products.
Partner with the President to translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, track commitments, and prepare leadership materials.
Connect US AI-focused teams with global company resources, align stakeholders, and manage dependencies.
Build processes for managing priorities, tracking initiatives, and facilitating leadership meetings.
Research opportunities, analyze alternatives, develop practical recommendations, and lead implementation.
Anticipate risks, resolve bottlenecks, and determine when to act independently or escalate.
Lead special projects, including vendor evaluations, operational improvements, partnership coordination, and business planning.
Synthesize complex information into executive-ready communications.
Conduct research and analysis, prepare presentations, and coordinate vendors as needed.