Director - Strategy & Business Operations

In the role of Director - Strategy & Business Operations at Axelera AI, you will be responsible for strategic planning, leading the OKR process, managing cross-functional initiatives to scale the company, and developing POCs to drive operational efficiency. This role also involves supporting stakeholder engagement, enhancing internal communication, and implementing processes to ensure operational excellence.

To be a successful candidate for the Director - Strategy & Business Operations position at Axelera AI, you should have over 5 years of experience in management consulting, strategy, business operations, or similar roles within high-growth tech environments. Strong strategic thinking, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and proven project leadership with measurable outcomes are essential. A passion for AI and expertise in tools like Excel or Tableau for business insights are also critical.

The Director - Strategy & Business Operations at Axelera AI plays a crucial role in corporate governance by assisting in the preparation of board presentations and executive materials, facilitating communication between the executive team and the board, and supporting the logistics of committee and board meetings. This ensures that essential information flows seamlessly and that strategic decisions are well-informed.

At Axelera AI, the culture is open, inclusive, and focused on creativity and innovation. As a Director - Strategy & Business Operations, you can expect a collaborative environment where ownership and responsibility are encouraged, fostering a strong sense of team unity. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member's voice is heard and valued, contributing to a positive workplace.

As a Director - Strategy & Business Operations at Axelera AI, you’ll have several growth opportunities at one of Europe's leading AI startups. You’ll engage in high-impact projects, interact closely with executives and key stakeholders, and directly influence the future of AI solutions. This role is an excellent platform for career progression, empowering you to hone your strategic and operational skills in a supportive environment.

To approach strategic planning in a fast-growing tech environment, focus on clearly defining goals through the OKR process, ensuring alignment across teams. It’s important to remain agile, regularly track progress, and be ready to pivot based on insights gathered and market changes, demonstrating flexibility and foresight.

When discussing a successful cross-functional project, choose an instance where you influenced various teams towards a shared goal. Highlight your role, the impact of the project, and the measurable results achieved, showcasing your ability to lead, coordinate, and drive initiatives that benefit the organization.

To track the success of strategic initiatives, utilize KPIs and dashboard tools like Tableau or Excel for visualization. Establish a regular review process to assess metrics, gather feedback, and make data-driven adjustments to strategy, which is critical in maintaining alignment with business goals.

Effective communication between stakeholders and the executive team can be achieved through regular updates, structured meetings, and the use of collaboration tools. Prioritize clarity and transparency in your communication, ensuring all parties are aligned and informed of both successes and challenges.

Identifying and managing risks involves conducting thorough analysis early in the project lifecycle. Use a risk matrix to evaluate the likelihood and impact of potential issues, implementing contingency plans to mitigate them. Regular monitoring and reallocating resources as necessary ensures that you stay ahead of challenges.

Implementing OKRs at Axelera AI would start with workshops to educate teams on the philosophy and benefits. Collaborate with department leads to set clear, measurable objectives at different levels, ensuring alignment throughout the organization, while regularly reviewing progress to adjust as needed.

My approach to conducting operational reviews involves gathering data from multiple departments, analyzing processes to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and facilitating discussions to brainstorm improvement strategies. It’s a collaborative effort that focuses on actionable insights to enhance overall operations.

To foster knowledge sharing, create a cooperative environment where team members feel comfortable sharing insights and experiences. Implement tools like internal wikis or regular ‘lunch and learn’ sessions to encourage communication, collaboration, and continuous learning across teams.

Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize business operations by enhancing efficiency through automation, providing deeper insights from data analytics, and driving innovation in processes. The ability to leverage AI allows companies to gain a competitive edge and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Staying updated with developments in strategic business operations involves regularly reading industry reports, attending webinars and conferences, and networking with other professionals. Engaging with thought leaders and participating in discussions helps me gain fresh perspectives and stay informed about emerging trends.