Director, Strategy and Operations

RETHINK MANUFACTURING

The only way to ignite change is to build the best team. At Bright Machines®, we’re innovators and experts in our craft who have joined together to create a new category of manufacturing that will help transform the industry. We believe software and data are the answer, thoughtfully applied to solve our customers’ unique challenges. Through intelligent automation, we give factories newfound flexibility, scalability, and resilience.

We deliver products to meet the demands of today while building a platform to take advantage of what comes next.

Director, Strategy & Operations at Bright Machines partners directly with the CEO and executive leadership team to drive high‑impact initiatives across the organization. In this role you will be a strategic and operational leader partner to the executive leadership team, driving cross‑functional initiatives, accelerating strategic priorities, and boosting organizational effectiveness. You’ll play a key role in shaping company direction, facilitating decision‑making, and ensuring that the business executes efficiently and cohesively at scale.

• Partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to shape and articulate overall company strategy, including long‑range planning, resource allocation, and prioritization of major initiatives.
• Lead and manage strategic planning processes, including OKR’s, quarterly priorities, and cross‑organizational alignment.
• Oversee key projects that cut across functions (e.g., operational transformation, new business initiatives and partnerships).
• Work with executive leaders (Operations, R&D, Sales, Marketing, Finance, HR, etc.) to ensure integration of strategic plans into functional execution.
• Facilitate effective communication across teams to break down silos and promote organizational clarity.
• Drive the rhythm of the business, including business reviews, forecasting processes, and reporting cadence.
• Support preparation of materials for Board of Directors, investors, and fundraising.
• Identify challenges and opportunities in the operating model and propose solutions to enhance alignment and execution.
• Lead or participate in initiatives that improve processes, forecasting, or decision frameworks across the company.
• Develop analytical models to support strategic planning, resource allocation, and company performance.
• Support investor relations, external communications, and strategic partnerships in collaboration with Marketing and Finance teams.

• 8+ years in a strategic, operational, or business planning role. Ideally in high‑growth technology, software, robotics, automation, or top‑tier consulting firms. (at least 3 years post MBA).
• Top tier consulting firm experience preferred (Bain / BCG / McKinsey).
• Proven track record leading strategic cross‑functional programs or initiatives from ideation to execution.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills; comfortable with complex, ambiguous environments.
• Experience building operating cadences, KPI frameworks, forecasting processes, and performance dashboards.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft executive‑level presentations and narratives.
• Credibility working with senior leaders, with high emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably engineering, or a related field). An MBA or comparable advanced degree is preferred.

• Experience at a high‑growth technology, robotics, automation, or deep‑tech company.
• Prior experience in manufacturing, automation, or AI infrastructure.
• Familiarity with investor relations and the fundraising process.

$180,000 - $240,000 a year

Bright Machines is a next‑generation, AI‑enabled manufacturer focused on data center infrastructure assembly operations. Bright Machines uses its proprietary AI‑based robotics and software to assemble AI infrastructure hardware products (i.e., data center servers) for hyperscalers and leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). With its new AI factory, Bright Machines addresses…