Strategic Operations Specialist

Coda Search; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 165,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with matching

HSA/FSA

Commuter assistance

Life insurance

Paid holidays & PTO

Job summary

Coda Search is seeking a Strategic Operations Specialist to partner with the COO, turning strategy into executable plans and managing cross-functional initiatives during rapid growth.

You will support Day One transitions, post-close integrations, and readiness for new business lines, while building governance and reporting for executives.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years in operations, business transformation, integration, or project management.
• Experience in high-growth or private equity–backed settings preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; JD, MBA or advanced transactional credential is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an operational proxy to the COO, translating high-level strategy into structured project plans, deliverables, and timelines.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives across operations, IT, finance, legal/compliance, and external partners.
• Support operational due diligence, Day One transition planning, vendor/contract migrations, and post-close integration across acquiring entities.
• Identify workflow bottlenecks and implement practical, low-friction systems and technology enhancements.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic execution

Executive presence

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

JD/MBA or advanced transactional credential (plus)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Our client is looking for a Strategic Operations Specialist to Partner directly with the Chief Operating Officer to translate business priorities into operational execution, manage cross-functional initiatives, support ongoing M&A integrations, and optimize company workflows during rapid organizational scaling.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Executive Execution:

• Serve as an operational proxy to the COO, turning high-level strategy into structured project plans, deliverables, and timelines.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives across operations, IT, finance, legal/compliance, and external partners.
• Identify risks, address roadblocks proactively, and enforce accountability across department leaders without requiring close supervision.

M&A Integration & Business Growth:

• Support operational due diligence, Day One transition planning, vendor/contract migrations, and post-close integration across acquiring entities.
• Coordinate readiness for launching new business lines, insurance programs, and product offerings.

Operational Optimization & Governance:

• Identify workflow bottlenecks and implement practical, low-friction systems and technology enhancements.
• Build reporting mechanisms and prepare concise executive briefings highlighting project status, risk escalations, and required decisions.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

• Experience Level:
• 5–7+ years in operations, business transformation, integration, or project management (experience in high-growth or private equity–backed settings preferred).

Industry Background (Preferred):

• Specialty commercial insurance, Managing General Agents (MGAs), insurance carriers, or brokerages.
• Experience with Representations & Warranties Insurance (RWI) underwriting, deal structuring, or M&A transaction advisory (law firm, private equity, or transaction consulting) is strongly valued.

Core Competencies:

• High ownership mindset: capable of operating with ambiguity and executing independently without going rogue.
• Strong executive presence, direct communication, and relationship-building across technical, financial, and legal stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; JD, MBA, or advanced transactional credential is a plus.
• Base Salary: $165,000 – $175,000 annually.
• Incentive: Annual performance bonus tied to individual milestones and company performance.
• Day-one health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with immediate employer matching on day one.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Commuter assistance, life insurance, paid holidays, and generous paid time off (PTO).