Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Puttshack USA Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision coverage options

401(k) matching

Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

Generous PTO including paid parental

Associate discounts

Job summary

Puttshack USA seeks a highly strategic, analytically driven Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives to serve as a trusted partner to the CEO and to coordinate across the organization’s strategic initiatives.

This role blends strategy, finance, legal, and operational execution, leading projects that support new business development including franchising and partnerships. Located at the River North corporate office with a hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, JD, or other advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in financial analysis, corporate strategy, and/or business planning with 3+ years reporting to Executives.
• Experience in a high-growth environment with strategic partnerships and M&A.
• Strong experience interacting with Board of Directors and senior leadership.
• Broad business acumen across finance, legal, and data analysis.
• High discretion, integrity, and confidentiality in sensitive matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; familiarity with legal documentation and formatting.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Define, prioritize, and execute enterprise-level strategic initiatives as a trusted partner to the CEO.
• Attend meetings and ensure direction continuity and follow-through to improve executive workflows and efficiency.
• Own project management for cross-functional initiatives, including timelines, deliverables, KPIs, dependencies, and risk mitigation.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and tracking tools for visibility and accountability.
• Collaborate with Finance & Operations to evaluate and execute new business opportunities including franchising and partnerships.
• Monitor industry, market, and competitor trends and translate data into actionable recommendations for the CEO and leadership.
• Serve as liaison between the executive team, Board, and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and follow-up.

Skills

Financial analysis

Corporate strategy

Business planning

Board interaction

BI tools

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or JD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

BI tools

Job description

About Puttshack:

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Puttshack USA opened its first location in 2021 as an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience that appeals to everyone. More than just indoor mini golf, Puttshack leans on its ground-breaking technology to elevate the game while also serving world-class food and full bar in a cool environment. The Puttshack experience is really all about having fun – and doing something fun – together.

Working at Puttshack:

At Puttshack, we take fun to the next level. We’re a fast-growing team of talented, hands-on go-getters who take pride in the work we do – and have a blast doing it. If you’re a mover and shaker who sets the bar high and loves the thrill of building something amazing, you’ll fit right in. We’re always on the lookout for the best people to join our growth journey. We are creative thinkers and even better do-ers; so if you’re inspired by new ideas and love bringing them to life, then we have the perfect canvas for you!

Our Purpose is to bring everyone in to play. Puttshack has the power to bring together people of all generations– the experience is inclusive, accessible, and an all-around great time. We are always looking for ways to bring a sense of belonging to our associates and guests alike.

Position Summary:

Puttshack is seeking a highly strategic, analytically driven Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives to serve as a trusted partner to the CEO and a central point of coordination across the organization’s strategic initiatives. This role blends strategy, finance, legal, executive communications, and operational execution, ensuring that the company’s most critical initiatives are planned, tracked, and delivered.

The Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives will lead projects to support new business development efforts (including franchising and partnerships) for our scaling organization. In this role, you will act as a liaison across internal and external stakeholders, providedata-driven insights into performance and competitor trends, and oversee executive-level communications around various strategic initiatives. This individual will bring a strong financial and project management background and operate comfortably at both the strategic and tactical levels.

Location: River North Chicago Corporate Office

Hybrid Remote Schedule – must be in office 4 days per week

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a trusted thought partner and extension of the CEO to define, prioritize, and execute enterprise-level strategic initiatives.

• Attend meetings as appropriate and ensure continuity of direction and follow-through to improve executive workflows, communication cadence, and operational efficiency across strategic initiatives as assigned.

• Own project management for cross-functional initiatives, including timelines, deliverables, KPIs, dependencies, and risk mitigation.

• Develop and maintain dashboards and tracking tools to ensure visibility, accountability, and timely execution across leadership and functional teams, surfacing issues and recommendations proactively.

• Partner with Finance & Operations to support the evaluation, structuring, and execution of new business opportunities, including franchising, joint ventures, licensing, and strategic partnerships.

• Monitor industry, market, and competitor trends across social entertainment, hospitality, and technology, and translate data and analysis into clear, actionable recommendations for the CEO and executive team.

• Serve as a liaison between the executive team, Board of Directors, and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on key initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, JD, or other advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in financial analysis, corporate strategy, and/or business planning, including at least 3+ years working with or reporting directly into Executive teams.

• Prior experience in a high-growth environment, including strategic partnerships and M&A.

• Strong background in interacting with Board of Directors and other Senior Leadership.

• Strong overall business acumen across finance, legal, and data analysis.

• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism; commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with knowledge of legal documentation and formatting.

• Strong project management skills, including detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.

• Ability to manage both high-level strategy and detailed execution in fast-paced, high growth environment.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and BI tools.

Physical Requirements:

Physical activities on a continuous basis, sit at desk for a long period of time; frequent use of telephone/video conferencing and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking and lifting, up to 25 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.

Benefits:

We have a guest service mindset and treat our associates the same way, offering our full-time, eligible associates:

• Health/dental/vision coverage options

• 401(k) matching

• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance

• Voluntary short term and long term Disability Insurance

• Generous PTO, including paid parental leave

• Associate discounts (FREE mini golf!)

• Corporate Bonus Program...and more!

Puttshack USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.