Manager, Value-Added Services Strategy - job 17 of 20

As the Manager of Value-Added Services Strategy, your primary responsibilities will include guiding the strategic planning process, leading workstreams related to multi-year strategy development, structuring and solving complex business problems, and effectively communicating recommendations to senior management. You will also support senior leadership by developing thought leadership materials and managing project activities to ensure that key milestones are achieved.

Candidates applying for the Manager of Value-Added Services Strategy position should possess a strong educational background in business, economics, or a related field, coupled with relevant experience in strategy or management consulting. Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and projects while demonstrating high emotional and intellectual intelligence is crucial. A record of driving strategic initiatives and decision-making in fast-paced environments will set you apart.

The Manager of Value-Added Services Strategy will work in a hybrid environment, alternating between remote work and in-office collaboration three days a week at our San Francisco location. This setup encourages teamwork, flexibility, and engagement, allowing you to fully connect with your team while strategically working on high-impact projects.

In this role, you will be involved in various strategic initiatives, including long-range strategy development, portfolio diagnostics, and assessments of potential acquisitions. You'll guide projects that address significant business opportunities and threats, ensuring impactful recommendations are presented to senior management and stakeholders throughout the company.

The Manager of Value-Added Services Strategy directly contributes to the company's growth by developing and implementing strategic plans that align with our mission and objectives. By analyzing market trends, conducting competitive research, and overseeing project progress, you play a crucial role in identifying new opportunities and ensuring the leadership team is equipped with the insights necessary to drive business success.

When approaching strategic planning in a fast-paced environment, I prioritize understanding business objectives and aligning my strategies with them. I gather insights from various stakeholders and utilize data-driven decision-making to identify opportunities and threats. Flexibility is key in adapting to changes while keeping long-term goals in mind.

Absolutely! In a previous role, I encountered a declining product line. By conducting market analysis, I discovered shifting consumer preferences and proposed a pivot in our marketing strategy that aligned with current trends. This solution revitalized sales and incorporated customer feedback, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in solving complex business challenges.

I structure my recommendations for senior management using a clear and concise format that highlights the problem, analysis, and proposed solutions. I ensure to back my recommendations with data and relevant insights, preparing to address potential concerns or questions they may have, which helps in gaining their buy-in.

I employ a variety of methods for market research, including secondary research to analyze industry reports and competitor activities. I also conduct surveys and interviews to gather qualitative insights and trends directly from customers. Synthesizing this information helps me create data-driven strategies that align with our business goals.

Effectively managing multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and setting expectations early. I prioritize regular updates and utilize project management tools to keep everyone informed. I take the time to understand each stakeholder's needs and concerns, which enables me to facilitate collaboration and consensus throughout the project lifecycle.

Emotional intelligence is vital in strategy management as it allows for better communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution. By understanding the emotions and motivations of team members and stakeholders, I can tailor my approach to align with their needs, fostering a collaborative environment that supports our strategic goals.

To measure the success of a strategic initiative, I define clear KPIs and metrics at the outset. Regular monitoring and evaluation against these metrics help assess impact and performance. Sharing these results with stakeholders also helps in understanding the strategic initiative's effectiveness and guides future decision-making.

For strategic planning, I find project management and analytical tools essential, such as Trello for tracking progress, and Tableau for data visualization. These tools enhance collaboration and simplify the analysis of complex data, helping to streamline the strategic planning process effectively.

Handling pressure involves staying organized and focused on priorities. I break down large tasks into manageable steps and set realistic timelines. Seeking feedback from team members and maintaining open communication also helps alleviate pressure, ensuring that we remain aligned and on track, no matter the challenges we face.

My process for evaluating potential business opportunities involves thorough market analysis and feasibility studies. I assess market demand, competitive landscape, and financial implications, while also engaging stakeholders for their insights. This comprehensive approach provides a balanced perspective and ensures we capitalize on viable opportunities aligned with our strategic goals.