Strategy & Operations Director (COO Office)

Navan; New York (NY); On-site; USD 167,000 - 372,000; Full time

Job summary

Navan is seeking an experienced Strategy & Operations Director to shape and drive execution of the company\'s highest-priority strategic initiatives. You will report to the VP of Strategy & Operations within the COO Office and lead strategic workstreams with executive-level recommendations.

This role sits at the centre of Navan\'s enterprise execution engine, partnering with leaders across the business to solve complex problems, accelerate execution, and scale Navan\'s operations globally.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Strategy Consulting (top-tier), Strategy & Operations within a high-growth technology company, or as Chief of Staff to a CEO or COO.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex strategic initiatives from problem definition through execution, delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Exceptional analytical, structured problem-solving, and programme management skills.
• Proven ability to independently lead multiple cross-functional initiatives in fast-paced, highly ambiguous environments.
• Strong business judgement with the ability to develop thoughtful recommendations, balance competing priorities, and navigate complex trade-offs.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with a demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment without direct authority.
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with executive leadership on strategic direction and key decisions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level presentations and communicating effectively with senior leadership and Boards.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and a strong bias for action.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the VP of Strategy & Operations, helping define priorities, solve complex business problems, and develop strategic recommendations for executive decision-making.
• Lead multiple strategic initiatives spanning business units, functions, and regions, owning workstreams from problem definition and scoping through execution and successful delivery.
• Structure ambiguous business problems, conduct rigorous analysis, evaluate strategic options, and develop clear, data-driven recommendations.
• Drive cross-functional execution by aligning stakeholders, coordinating delivery, and proactively resolving dependencies, risks, and execution blockers.
• Design and continuously improve operating models, governance processes, and execution frameworks that enable effective delivery of complex company-wide initiatives.
• Develop executive reporting and governance mechanisms that provide leadership with clear visibility into initiative progress, key risks, decisions, and outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve company performance and proactively develop initiatives that advance Navan's strategic objectives.
• Partner with the VP of Strategy & Operations in running the COO Office, including leadership operating rhythms, executive communications, business reviews, Board and Executive Staff materials, and special projects.
• Conduct strategic analyses and lead ad hoc projects supporting the COO organisation across Product, Engineering, Operations, Account Management, Support, Infrastructure, IT and Security.

Job description

Navan is looking for an experienced Strategy & Operations Director to help shape and drive execution of the company's highest-priority strategic initiatives.

Reporting to the VP of Strategy & Operations within the COO Office, this role sits at the centre of Navan's enterprise execution engine. The COO Office is responsible for translating company strategy into operational reality, partnering with leaders across the business to solve complex problems, drive alignment, and accelerate execution on Navan's most important priorities.

As a senior member of the Strategy & Operations team, you will independently lead strategic workstreams, develop executive-level recommendations, and drive complex cross-functional initiatives from concept through delivery. You'll partner closely with the VP of Strategy & Operations to help scale the effectiveness of the COO Office.

This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to influence company-wide priorities and help shape how Navan operates as it continues to scale globally.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the VP of Strategy & Operations, helping define priorities, solve complex business problems, and develop strategic recommendations for executive decision-making
• Lead multiple strategic initiatives spanning business units, functions, and regions, owning workstreams from problem definition and scoping through execution and successful delivery
• Structure ambiguous business problems, conduct rigorous analysis, evaluate strategic options, and develop clear, data-driven recommendations
• Drive cross-functional execution by aligning stakeholders, coordinating delivery, and proactively resolving dependencies, risks, and execution blockers
• Design and continuously improve operating models, governance processes, and execution frameworks that enable effective delivery of complex company-wide initiatives.
• Develop executive reporting and governance mechanisms that provide leadership with clear visibility into initiative progress, key risks, decisions, and outcomes
• Identify opportunities to improve company performance and proactively develop initiatives that advance Navan's strategic objectives
• Partner with the VP of Strategy & Operations in running the COO Office, including leadership operating rhythms, executive communications, business reviews, Board and Executive Staff materials, and special projects
• Conduct strategic analyses and lead ad hoc projects supporting the COO organisation across Product, Engineering, Operations, Account Management, Support, Infrastructure, IT and Security

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in Strategy Consulting (top-tier), Strategy & Operations within a high-growth technology company, or as Chief of Staff to a CEO or COO. Experience in Travel, FinTech SaaS is preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading complex strategic initiatives from problem definition through execution, delivering measurable business outcomes
• Exceptional analytical, structured problem-solving, and programme management skills
• Proven ability to independently lead multiple cross-functional initiatives in fast-paced, highly ambiguous environments
• Strong business judgement with the ability to develop thoughtful recommendations, balance competing priorities, and navigate complex trade-offs
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with a demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment without direct authority
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with executive leadership on strategic direction and key decisions
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level presentations and communicating effectively with senior leadership and Boards
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and a strong bias for action.

The posted pay range represents the anticipated low and high end of the compensation for this position and is subject to change based on business need. To determine a successful candidate's starting pay, we carefully consider a variety of factors, including primary work location, an evaluation of the candidate's skills and experience, market demands, and internal parity.For roles with on-target-earnings (OTE), the pay range includes both base salary and target incentive compensation. Target incentive compensation for some roles may include a ramping draw period. Compensation is higher for those who exceed targets. Candidates may receive more information from the recruiter.

Pay Range: $167,400 USD - $372,000 USD