Strategy & Planning Manager

As a Strategy & Planning Manager at Skydio, your primary responsibilities will include owning the go-to-market planning process, coordinating with business stakeholders on headcount and capacity planning, and spearheading the forecasting process for demand. You’ll engage closely with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate data-driven insights lead to effective decision-making and goal tracking.

For the Strategy & Planning Manager role at Skydio, candidates should have a BA/BS degree in fields like marketing, finance, or business, paired with 7+ years of experience in consulting or business operations functions. Strong analytical skills, communication abilities, and an aptitude for problem-solving in dynamic environments are essential for success in this position.

In addition to essential qualifications, a Strategy & Planning Manager at Skydio would benefit from excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, an ability to manage complex data sets, and strong communication skills. Management consulting experience is considered a plus, along with the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The Strategy & Planning Manager contributes to Skydio's success by driving strategic planning initiatives that align with company goals. Your guidance ensures that the GTM teams, including sales and customer success, are well-supported with effective planning and forecasting, all while delivering actionable insights that refine the approach and drive performance.

The compensation range for the Strategy & Planning Manager at Skydio starts from $139,500 and goes up to $198,000, depending on factors such as experience and skill levels. Additionally, Skydio offers comprehensive benefits and incentives, making it an attractive opportunity in the tech industry.

To approach demand forecasting, I analyze historical data trends, conduct market research, and engage cross-functionally to ensure insights are comprehensive. Collaborating closely with sales and marketing helps me validate assumptions and adjust forecasts as needed.

Prioritizing projects involves understanding the strategic objectives and aligning with stakeholder needs. I utilize frameworks such as impact vs. effort analysis to prioritize initiatives, ensuring transparency and open communication with all teams involved.

I utilize various tools, including Excel for data manipulation, along with visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI. Additionally, I leverage CRM systems to pull valuable insights directly related to demand and sales processes.

In such cases, I would conduct a thorough analysis of potential discrepancies, identifying factors and variables that may have affected outcomes. I would then adjust future forecasts accordingly while documenting lessons learned to improve accuracy.

In my previous role, I created a comprehensive report showcasing the ROI of a new sales incentive plan. Through data-backed insights, I was able to persuade senior leadership of its potential to drive engagement and improve sales metrics significantly.

I focus on simplifying information by using clear, straightforward language. Visual aids, such as charts and graphs, can effectively convey complex data, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the insights being presented.

Ensuring accuracy involves a rigorous verification process: validating data sources, cross-checking with historical performance, and discussing assumptions with relevant teams. Regular reviews and updates also help maintain data integrity.

I have extensive experience designing sales compensation plans where I ensure alignment with business objectives. I analyze performance metrics and incorporate feedback from sales teams to build structures that motivate and reward effectively.

Preparing for discussions requires thorough analysis and clear agenda setting. I outline key objectives, compile relevant data, and anticipate potential questions or objections from leadership, ensuring a well-structured conversation.

When evaluating GTM effectiveness, I prioritize metrics such as conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and overall sales growth. These provide a clearer picture of strategy effectiveness and empower data-driven adjustments.