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 with in 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.