Strategy and Operations Manager

About the Job

Big ambitions, exciting challenges, and the chance to help build something from the ground up!  We're looking for a driven, strategic and hands-on Strategy & Operations Manager to help bring our big ideas to life.

Working directly with our President, you'll play a key role in bringing Smokeball's AI into the US market, driving strategic initiatives, connecting teams and helping shape how we grow.

This isn't your typical strategy or project management role. We're after someone who loves solving problems, thrives in a fast-paced environment, thinks big but isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get things done.

If you're entrepreneurial, love a challenge and want to make a real impact in a growing business, this could be the opportunity for you!

This is a hybrid role based in our office in Chicago, IL. All Chicagoland employees are required to be in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Key Responsibilities

• Own critical cross-functional projects from planning through execution, beginning with launching AI products

• Partner with the President to turn strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, track commitments, and prepare leadership materials

• Connect AI focused US teams with global company resources, aligning stakeholders and managing dependencies

• Build processes for managing priorities, tracking initiatives, and facilitating leadership meetings

• Research opportunities, analyze alternatives, and develop clear, practical recommendations, then own implementation

• Anticipate risks, resolve bottlenecks, and know when to solve independently versus escalate

• Lead special projects such as vendor evaluations, operational improvements, partnership coordination, and business planning

• Synthesize complex information into executive-ready communications

• Roll up your sleeves on research, analyses, presentations, and vendor coordination as needed

Skills & Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in management consulting, strategy and operations, business operations, or a similarly demanding environment (exceptional earlier-career candidates encouraged to apply)

• Proven ability to independently own complex initiatives, work across functions, and deliver results

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure ambiguous problems and evaluate tradeoffs

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with great attention to detail across competing priorities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting recommendations to senior leadership

• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and drive accountability without formal authority

• Proactive, resourceful mindset with a bias for action

• Comfort in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where processes may not yet exist

• Proficiency with spreadsheets, presentations, data analysis, and modern project management and collaboration tools

Nice to Have

• Experience in a startup, early-stage, or high-growth environment

• Experience supporting a product or market launch

• Experience working with global or cross-border teams

• Familiarity with legal tech, SaaS, or professional services

Compensation

Base range of $105,000 - $120,000

What's in it for you?

Competitive Salary

Work-Life Balance: 20 vacation days, 3 reboot days, birthday off, volunteer time, and more!

Benefits: Excellent medical, dental, vision coverage. 401(k) match, & monthly wellness stipend

Parental leave

Office lunch and loads of snacks

And of course...the SWAG!

Want to Know More?

Why do we do what we do? Where did the name ‘Smokeball’ come from? What are our values? Learn more here!

*Smokeball values diversity & inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Smokeball considers all individuals seeking employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t check every box.