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Operations Strategy Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Operating at the intersection of operations and strategy, the Operations Strategy Manager will be responsible for supporting on-going discovery, evaluation and execution of forward-thinking ...

Manager, Systems Strategy

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $174K/yr

AlphaSense's Content Operations Strategy and Enablement (COSE) team is responsible for establishing the strategy and infrastructure to drive sustainable and scalable growth for our Expert Calls and ...

AlphaSense's Content Operations Strategy and Enablement (COSE) team is responsible for establishing the strategy and infrastructure to drive sustainable and scalable growth for our Expert Calls and ...

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Operations Strategy information

See Illinois salary details

$66.4K

$151K

$255.8K

How much do operations strategy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations strategy in Illinois is $150,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,900.00 and $179,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Operations Strategy?

Operations strategy is the plan that an organization uses to configure its resources and processes to effectively produce goods or deliver services. It aligns the operations function with the overall business strategy, ensuring that the company can meet customer demands efficiently and competitively. This often involves decisions related to production, quality management, supply chain, and resource allocation. Professionals in operations strategy analyze data and trends to optimize performance and drive long-term success for the organization.

What is the difference between Operations Strategy vs Supply Chain Analyst?

AspectOperations StrategySupply Chain Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Business, Operations Management, or related field; MBA often preferredBachelor's in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field; certifications like CSCP beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning teams, management meetings, cross-department collaborationData analysis, vendor communication, logistics coordination, office setting
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, retail, logistics companies focusing on overall operationsSupply chain firms, manufacturing, retail, logistics companies focusing on supply chain processes

Operations Strategy focuses on developing and implementing high-level plans to improve overall operational efficiency and effectiveness. In contrast, Supply Chain Analysts concentrate on analyzing and optimizing supply chain processes to ensure smooth logistics and inventory management. Both roles are essential in operations but differ in scope and focus.

How does an Operations Strategy professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

Operations Strategy professionals regularly work alongside departments such as finance, supply chain, marketing, and IT to identify inefficiencies and develop actionable plans for improvement. This collaboration often involves leading workshops, analyzing data with stakeholders, and aligning diverse teams on shared objectives. Effective communication and project management skills are crucial, as these professionals must balance strategic vision with day-to-day operational realities. By fostering strong cross-functional relationships, Operations Strategy professionals ensure that recommended changes are feasible and supported across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Operations Strategy, and why are they important?

To excel in Operations Strategy, you need strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and a background in business, engineering, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with data analytics tools, process improvement methodologies (like Six Sigma), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is typically expected. Exceptional communication, leadership, and adaptability help professionals stand out in cross-functional environments. These skills ensure effective operational improvements, strategic decision-making, and the ability to drive organizational growth.
What are popular job titles related to Operations Strategy jobs in Illinois? For Operations Strategy jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operations Strategy jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Operations Strategy job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Strategy job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,954 per year, or $72.6 per hour.
Operations Strategy Manager

Operations Strategy Manager

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Bolingbrook, IL • Hybrid

$88K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Ulta Beauty rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,005 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 24 rated health and beauty retailers


Job description


OVERVIEW

Discover greater levels of performance. With over 1,400 stores throughout the U.S., Ulta Beauty is revolutionizing the beauty retail experience. With new stores coming online on a continual basis and the re-engineering of existing locations with the latest design and technological advancements for heightened guest experiences, we’re not just growing, we’re thriving. Through consistent innovation and a bold commitment to reimagination. If you want the opportunity to build something strategic, to take ownership of your career trajectory, to apply your passion to operational excellence, Ulta Beauty provides the kind of stability and support few organizations can match. So be curious. Be flexible. Be more than you thought possible. The future is yours at Ulta Beauty.

THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE

*Position is located at corporate offices in Bolingbrook, IL (Hybrid work schedule – approx. 6 days in office per month)

The Retail Operations Strategy team is responsible for developing and leading the Retail Operations strategy to transform the customer experience, operational performance and efficiency, and growth across our stores.

Operating at the intersection of operations and strategy, the Operations Strategy Manager will be responsible for supporting on-going discovery, evaluation and execution of forward-thinking opportunities for continuous growth and improvement for our retail stores. This individual will enable decision-making for key business initiatives, and will require the ability to influence, advise, and lead a large number of cross-functional business partners across levels.

A successful candidate must be naturally curious, self-motivated, able to prioritize effectively, and possess the ability to share complex ideas and information across diverse audiences in a clear and succinct manner. This role will support highly visible strategies that will have a significant impact on the direction of the end-to-end store experience and therefore should demonstrate strong executive presence and possess superior communication and presentation skills.

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:

  • Support the creation, refinement, and articulation of the department’s longterm North Star vision, ensuring strategic clarity and alignment across all retail operations functions
  • Support highly visible, strategic, cross-functional, priority initiatives related to Ulta Beauty’s retail operations strategy
  • Build governance models, decisionmaking frameworks, and accountability routines that sustain strategic initiatives and ensure consistent execution
  • Gather, synthesize, and socialize insights on retail trends, emerging technologies, consumer behavior shifts, and competitive innovations that are relevant to Ulta Beauty
  • Bring creative, out-of-the-box thinking to identify white space opportunities: assess and articulate the strategic rationale, grounded in data-driven insights, in support of the retail operations strategy
  • Support the effort of sharing the retail operations department story through crafting elevated PowerPoint presentations and working with key stakeholders across the department and enterprise

 

 

 

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, strategy or a related field
  • 5+ years of professional experience in business administration, consulting, strategic planning, or similar strategy-focused roles
  • Ability to think strategically while balancing long-term goals with immediate business priorities
  • General retail acumen – understanding of retail operations, field dynamics, and customer experience drivers
  • Strong communication skills – including thought leadership, collaboration, partnership across diverse team environments
  • Well organized – ability to lead, manage, and prioritize multiple projects efficiently
  • Highly motivated – exhibit flexibility and willingness to take on new responsibilities and assignments and to assist with various ad hoc projects as needed
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, and comfortable using program management tools
  • Retail operations experience preferred

 

WORKING CONDITIONS                                                        

  • Normal office demands
  • Occasionally work in stores to develop an understanding of the store experience and collaborate with field partners

 

 

 

#LI-JR1

#LI-Hybrid


The pay range for this position is $88,200.00 - $119,200.00 / Year with the opportunity for eligible associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs. Full-time positions are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, life and disability benefits. Part-time positions are eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits. For additional information concerning our benefits, visit our Benefits and Career Development page: https://learn.bswift.com/ulta

ABOUT

At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring—hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.

Qualifications:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, strategy or a related field
  • 5+ years of professional experience in business administration, consulting, strategic planning, or similar strategy-focused roles
  • Ability to think strategically while balancing long-term goals with immediate business priorities
  • General retail acumen – understanding of retail operations, field dynamics, and customer experience drivers
  • Strong communication skills – including thought leadership, collaboration, partnership across diverse team environments
  • Well organized – ability to lead, manage, and prioritize multiple projects efficiently
  • Highly motivated – exhibit flexibility and willingness to take on new responsibilities and assignments and to assist with various ad hoc projects as needed
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, and comfortable using program management tools
  • Retail operations experience preferred

 

WORKING CONDITIONS                                                        

  • Normal office demands
  • Occasionally work in stores to develop an understanding of the store experience and collaborate with field partners

 

 

 

#LI-JR1

#LI-Hybrid

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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