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.

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.