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Strategic Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Strategic Operations Manager who can build the mechanisms that help leadership see clearly, make decisions, and drive execution. This is not a traditional PM role. You will move ...

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MTC USA LLC seeks a full-time Strategic Operations Consultant to work at its office in Irvine, CA ... Management, plus 24 months of experience as a management analyst, computer systems analyst ...

... operational strategy in ambiguous, zero-to-one, or rapidly scaling environments- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without ...

... operational strategy in ambiguous, zero-to-one, or rapidly scaling environments- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without ...

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Strategic Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$64.6K

$117.9K

$159.4K

How much do strategic operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic operations manager in California is $117,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Strategic Operations Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business objectives?

Strategic Operations Managers regularly work alongside departments such as finance, marketing, sales, and supply chain to align operational initiatives with overall business goals. They facilitate communication between teams, lead project planning sessions, and often serve as the point person for integrating new processes or technologies. By coordinating efforts across functions, they help ensure that resources are used efficiently and that strategic projects are executed on time and within budget. This collaborative approach is essential for identifying process improvements and fostering innovation across the organization.

What is the difference between Strategic Operations Manager vs Business Analyst?

AspectStrategic Operations ManagerBusiness Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Management, or related field; often an MBA; experience in operationsBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field; certifications like CBAP or PMI-PBA beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees operations teams, collaborates with management, focuses on strategic planningAnalyzes business processes, gathers requirements, supports project teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate, manufacturing, and logistics sectorsWidely used in consulting, finance, and technology industries

The Strategic Operations Manager focuses on high-level operational strategy and management, overseeing teams and implementing long-term plans. In contrast, a Business Analyst concentrates on analyzing business processes, gathering requirements, and supporting project execution. While both roles require strong analytical skills and industry knowledge, their core responsibilities and focus areas differ significantly.

Is strategy a high paying job?

Strategic Operations Managers typically earn higher salaries compared to many other management roles due to their responsibility for planning and executing key business initiatives. Compensation varies based on industry, experience, and location, but it is generally considered a well-paying position within corporate management. Advanced skills in data analysis, leadership, and strategic thinking are often required for higher pay levels.

What is the minimum salary of an operations manager?

The minimum salary for a strategic operations manager varies by location and industry but typically starts around $60,000 to $80,000 annually in many regions. Entry-level positions or those in smaller companies may offer lower starting salaries, while experience, certifications, and company size can influence compensation levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Strategic Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Strategic Operations Manager, you need strong analytical skills, business acumen, and experience in operations management, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, data analysis tools, and project management certifications like PMP are typically required. Exceptional leadership, cross-functional communication, and problem-solving abilities help individuals excel in driving operational efficiency and strategic initiatives. These skills and qualities are crucial for aligning operational processes with organizational goals and ensuring sustainable business growth.

What does a strategic operations manager do?

A strategic operations manager oversees an organization’s operational activities to improve efficiency, align processes with business goals, and support long-term growth. They analyze data, develop strategies, coordinate cross-departmental initiatives, and often use tools like project management software to implement improvements.

What is the highest salary for an operations manager?

The highest salaries for operations managers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially in large corporations or high-cost-of-living areas. Senior roles with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and responsibility for multiple departments tend to command the top salaries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Strategic Operations jobs in California? The most popular types of Strategic Operations jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Strategic Operations Manager jobs in California? For Strategic Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Strategic Operations Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Strategic Operations Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Strategic Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Strategic Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Strategic Operations Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,898 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Strategic Operations Manager

Strategic Operations Manager

Zipline

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$112K - $300K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

About You & the Role

Zipline is scaling new markets, operating systems, and launch infrastructure that only work if analytics, execution, and operating cadence stay tightly connected. We are looking for a Strategic Operations Manager who can build the mechanisms that help leadership see clearly, make decisions, and drive execution.

This is not a traditional PM role. You will move fluidly between building forecasting models, running operating reviews, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, identifying bottlenecks, and creating the systems that allow teams to scale. The mandate is simple: be a builder, not a coordinator.

What You'll Do

You will own recurring operating rhythms and business reviews that turn leadership priorities into clear owners, dates, metrics, tradeoffs, and follow-through. You will make sure commitments are visible, decision points are crisp, and action items move from discussion to execution.

You will build and maintain planning, forecasting, and capacity models; develop dashboards and reporting that improve decision quality; diagnose operational bottlenecks; and drive cross-functional initiatives from ambiguity to execution across technical and non-technical teams.

You will create scalable systems and processes that improve organizational effectiveness as Zipline launches, scales, and operates new markets. That includes turning one-off efforts into repeatable mechanisms without adding bureaucracy.

What You'll Bring
  • 5-10 years of experience in operations, business operations, strategic planning, manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, program management, or another execution-heavy operating environment.
  • Strong analytical and modeling skills, with the ability to build practical tools that leaders and operators actually use.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication; you can turn ambiguous work into clear narratives, decisions, and next steps.
  • Ability to work across technical and non-technical teams, align stakeholders, and drive accountability without hiding behind process.
  • A demonstrated history of creating systems that scale: operating cadences, planning models, dashboards, review mechanisms, ownership models, and follow-up loops.
  • Comfort operating in ambiguity and high-growth environments where the right answer changes as the business learns.
  • High execution discipline; you can build a model in the morning, facilitate an executive review in the afternoon, and drive action items to closure by the end of the day.
What Else You Need to Know

This will be an in-office role based out of our South San Francisco HQ. Must be able to travel up to 25% of the time either to our HQ or into the Field.

The starting cash range for this role is $112,500 - $300,000; please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. We are always open to negotiation. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to protected characteristics.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!