At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive execution of high-priority projects across the company.
- Company: Join Navan, a fast-growing tech company shaping the future of travel and operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high visibility and the chance to work closely with executive leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing company-wide priorities and driving strategic change.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in strategy consulting or operations, with strong analytical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
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.
Strategy & Operations Director (COO Office) in London employer: Navan
At Navan, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Competitive Intelligence & Strategy team plays a crucial role in driving market growth, and we offer ample opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. Located in a vibrant area, our employees enjoy a supportive environment that encourages creativity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy & Operations Director (COO Office) in London
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Navan!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Strategy & Operations Director (COO Office) position at Navan via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy & Operations Director (COO Office) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Navan.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Navan’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navan
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Navan. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Navan. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Navan.
