Operations Strategy And Planning Manager

Purpose:

The Operations Strategy and Planning Manager is responsible for developing and executing operational strategy and planning initiatives that drive process excellence, standardization, scalability, and continuous improvement across Taylor & Martin’s auction locations and operational procedures. This role partners with operational leadership to align strategic priorities with effective, consistent, and sustainable execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Partner with the VP of Auction Operations to develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives.

- Develop and maintain a multi-year Operations roadmap focused on scalability, standardization, and continuous improvement.

- Evaluate operational processes and conduct site assessments to identify opportunities for efficiency and performance improvements.

- Design and implement future-state operating models, standardized procedures, and best practices across auction locations.

- Lead operational excellence initiatives utilizing Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

- Manage cross-functional and multi-site projects, ensuring effective execution, stakeholder alignment, and measurable results.

- Establish and monitor KPIs and operational performance metrics to track strategic progress and operational effectiveness.

- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to implement solutions that enhance operational performance and customer experience.

- Provide executive leadership with data-driven recommendations, status updates, risk assessments, and performance reporting.

- Support long-term operational, workforce, technology, and capacity planning initiatives. Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Analytics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field strongly preferred.

- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Experience

- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in operations strategy, operational planning, business transformation, project/program management, process improvement, business analytics, or a related field.

- Experience working with complex, cross-functional or multi-site organizations.

- Experience with Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or other Operational Excellence methodologies.

- Experience developing and implementing process improvements, standardization initiatives, or business transformation efforts.

- Experience within the logistics, auction, dealership, fleet, industrial equipment, transportation, or related industries is preferred but not required. Skills

- Strong business acumen and understanding of how operational decisions impact business performance, customer experience, and long-term growth.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

- Ability to translate complex information and data into clear recommendations and actionable plans.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and operational teams.

- Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to build alignment and drive execution across functions.

- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple strategic priorities and initiatives simultaneously.

Work Environment & Travel Requirements

- Based at the Fremont, NE corporate office, with approximately 10–20% travel required.