Strategic Operations Manager

Strategic Operations Manager

The Strategic Operations Manager is part of the Payments Business Unit team. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, partnering closely with business unit leadership to both keep the operating engine running smoothly and help shape the next phase of growth. You'll split your time between:

• Operational leadership supporting the operating rhythm of the business unit, including key recurring meetings and quarterly planning cadences with the broader enterprise.
• Strategic projects identifying, sizing, and evaluating new growth opportunities, markets, products, and partnerships.

This is an ideal role for a structured problem-solver with strong business judgment, who is excited to partner with leadership and drive initiatives from analysis through execution.

Key Responsibilities

Business Unit Operations & Cadence

• Own and support the operating rhythm of the business unit, including monthly and quarterly cadences with the Enterprise.
• Develop agendas, materials, and analyses to ensure meetings are efficient, data-driven, and decision-oriented.
• Track follow-ups, decisions, and action items to drive accountability and execution.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Influence

• Partner closely with Payments BU leadership, Finance and Enterprise Strategy.
• Act as connective tissue between the business unit and the broader enterprise, ensuring alignment on priorities and decisions.
• Influence prioritization and investment decisions through clear insights, structured analysis, and strong executive communication.

Strategic Projects & Growth Initiatives

• Lead and support strategic analyses to identify and evaluate new growth opportunities (e.g., new markets, products, customer segments, partnerships, or M&A themes).
• Build market sizing, financial models, and business cases to support investment decisions.
• Conduct competitive and industry research to inform strategic recommendations.
• Support senior leaders with clear, concise recommendations and executive-ready materials.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience, ideally with a background in management consulting, investment banking, or private equity.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills; comfortable building structured analyses from scratch.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex topics for executive audiences.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving between strategic thinking and tactical execution.
• Startup or high-growth company experience is a plus.
• Experience in healthcare, payments, or fintech is a plus but not required.

Why This Role

• High visibility and direct exposure to senior leadership.
• Opportunity to influence both day-to-day execution and long-term strategy.
• Broad scope across operations, strategy, and growth.
• Strong platform for future leadership roles in strategy, operations, or general management.

Please note at this time we are unable to proceed with candidates who require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Location and Workplace Flexibility

Zelis is headquartered in the U.S., with multiple locations across the country and in Hyderabad, India. All employee work locations are based on the needs of the position and are determined by the Leadership team. In-office work and activities vary based on work and team objectives in accordance with Company policies.

While location expectations vary by role, candidates within approximately 50 miles of a U.S. office are generally preferred to support collaboration when needed. Our hybrid approach is flexible, and in-office presence is guided by team and business needs rather than a fixed weekly schedule.

Base Salary Range

$115,000.00 - $145,350.00

At Zelis we are committed to providing fair and equitable compensation packages. The base salary range allows us to make an offer that considers multiple individualized factors, including experience, education, qualifications, as well as job-related and industry-related knowledge and skills, etc. Base pay is just one part of our Total Rewards package, which may also include discretionary bonus plans, commissions, or other incentives depending on the role.

Zelis' full-time associates are eligible for a highly competitive benefits package as well, which demonstrates our commitment to our employees' health, well-being, and financial protection. The US-based benefits include a 401k plan with employer match, flexible paid time off, holidays, parental leaves, life and disability insurance, and health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Zelis is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications for the role. We believe in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all.

Accessibility Support

We are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation with any part of the application and/or interview process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, duties, and skills from time to time.

Tyler Kosmas - State Farm Agent