Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Full-Time 59400 - 72600 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cross-functional programs and drive strategic initiatives for rapid global growth.
  • Company: Join Navan, a dynamic tech company focused on innovation and operational excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible vacation, healthcare, parental leave, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Thriving culture with pet-friendly policies and a focus on learning and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by turning strategy into action in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: 6+ years in program management with strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.

Navan is searching for a dynamic and results-driven Senior Program Manager to join our Strategy & Operations team. Reporting directly to the Director of Strategy & Operations, this is a highly visible, high-impact role designed for a leader who excels at turning high-level business strategy into flawless operational execution.

In this role, you will act as the connective tissue across Navan’s core business functions—partnering closely with Product, Go-To-Market (GTM), Engineering, and Customer Success to drive our most critical, complex initiatives. You will be responsible for orchestrating cross-functional programs from inception to delivery, navigating ambiguity with ease, and building the scalable processes required to support Navan’s rapid global growth.

If you are a strategic thinker who loves rolling up your sleeves to solve complex operational puzzles, we want you on our team.

  • Drive Strategic Initiatives: Lead the end-to-end execution of top-tier, cross-functional corporate programs that directly support Navan’s strategic roadmap and revenue goals.
  • Orchestrate Cross-Functional Alignment: Serve as the primary driver and central point of contact for complex projects, seamlessly aligning stakeholders across GTM, Product, Operations, and Finance to ensure unified execution.
  • Establish Operational Rigor: Build and manage comprehensive program plans, define clear KPIs, and establish a regular operating cadence (e.g., steering committees, status reports, QBRs) to keep teams accountable and on track.
  • Identify and Mitigate Risk: Proactively spot roadblocks, dependencies, and operational bottlenecks before they impact delivery. Escalate thoughtfully to the Director of Strategy & Operations and executive sponsors with proposed, data-backed solutions.
  • Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate our internal workflows. Design, implement, and iterate on scalable processes that improve cross-team velocity and operational efficiency as Navan grows.
  • Executive Communication: Translate complex project updates, risks, and data into crisp, actionable insights for senior leadership and C-suite stakeholders.
  • Champion Change Management: Ensure new processes, systems, and strategies are effectively rolled out and adopted across the organization through clear communication and enablement.

Benefits:

  • Parental leave
  • Commuter benefits
  • Healthcare
  • Flexible Vacation
  • Health and Wellness
  • Fuel for Connection
  • Pet Friendly
  • IATAN (travel-related discounts)
  • 401k (retirement plan)
  • Connectivity Allowance
  • Learning & Development

Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Management, or a related field. PMP, Agile, or Lean Six Sigma certifications are a plus, but practical, proven experience is paramount.

Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in program management, business operations, strategy, or management consulting, preferably within a fast-paced B2B SaaS, hyper-growth tech, or fintech environment.

Influence Without Authority: Exceptional stakeholder management skills. You can motivate, align, and drive consensus among cross-functional leaders and individual contributors alike, even when they don’t report to you.

Comfort with Ambiguity: You thrive in dynamic, fast-changing environments. When the path isn’t perfectly clear, you take the initiative to define it, bringing structure to chaos.

Operational Urgency: You possess a strong bias for action. You balance a strategic mindset with the tactical grit needed to get things done quickly and to a high standard.

Analytical & Data-Driven: You don’t just track tasks; you measure outcomes. You are highly comfortable using data to inform program strategy, measure success, and diagnose operational issues.

Communicate with Candor: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. You can distill complex programmatic details into clear executive summaries and are comfortable presenting to senior leadership.

Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations) employer: Navan

Join a dynamic and innovative team where your contributions will directly shape the future of our hotel compensation processes. As a Credit Controller in this project-based role, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values autonomy and encourages professional growth, all while making a tangible impact on our multinational operations. With opportunities to optimise processes and build strong relationships across diverse teams, this position offers a unique chance to thrive in a fast-paced environment and advance your career in the hospitality industry.

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Contact Details:

Navan Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations) at Navan!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Navan or be willing to refer you for that Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations) position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Navan who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations) star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations) role at Navan!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Program Manager (Strategy & Operations)

Program Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Strategic Thinking
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Process Optimization
Executive Communication
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Navan. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Navan

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Navan. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!