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Operations Strategy Analyst (Entry Level)

Analyst, Operations Strategy
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Role Type: Full-time
Steelcase Overview
Steelcase was founded as an office furniture maker, and we've evolved into the global leader in workplace solutions. We apply our insights to the intersection of space, technology, and furniture, helping individuals and teams in leading companies around the world to have a better day at work.

We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we're always looking to get better. We value applicants who are comfortable interacting with people different than themselves. We seek to find the best person to fill this role and will not discriminate based on race, color, creed, genetic information, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by law.


About the Operations Strategy team
The Operations Strategy team is a small team reporting to the VP, Operations Services.  Our focus is on operations large scale transformations which require cross functional engagement across departments, and which require concentrated attention to resolve.  We typically work with carefully selected teams sourced from various partner functions and created to solve specific problems.  The problems we work on are invariably C-suite level issues at the top of the CEO and COO’s agenda.  Examples of recent projects include formulating Operations’ strategic roadmap, creating a turnaround plan for a key business unit, or preparing an integration plan for an acquired company.

What you will do
As an Analyst in the Operations Strategy team you will play a key role in the projects we undertake.  You will be expected to contribute to project workstreams and analyses, working with other team members and information providers to understand the problem and determine the best course of action for the company.  As part of this work you will be expected to:
·      Help break down the problems we work on into discrete questions that can be addressed through a set of analyses, interviews, and the integration of disparate information
·      Create a plan on how to answer those discrete questions (e.g. what analysis should be performed, who should we talk to) and execute it by sourcing information, processing it, and integrating it into a robust answer
·      Prepare documents summarizing the information gathered and conclusions reached which will be used to communicate your findings 
·      Communicate findings to a broad group of stakeholders including senior operations leaders
·      Manage deliverables and balance priorities to meet tight project deadlines
·      Work with relevant stakeholders from across the organization to ensure the effective implementation of decisions made by the executive team as a result of the findings and recommendations provided

In the Operations Strategy group we don’t provide theoretical answers.  You will work to provide practical answers to real problems with an outsized impact on our operations, and learn through practical experience what it takes to execute large-scale operational change at a global manufacturer.

As part of the team you will have a chance to learn from and be mentored by former top tier consultants with deep experience in operations and a passion for producing high-quality, impactful work that pushes the boundaries of Steelcase’s operations.
Occasional travel may be required but will likely be less than 10% of your time.

What you bring
The ideal candidate for this position is an excellent problem solver with a strong ownership mentality and excellent analytical and communication abilities.  You will be expected to tackle a steep learning curve and quickly develop your core professional competencies to a high standard.

A curious mindset will be important, but operations experience is not needed.  We are looking for an overall athlete with a strong track-record of success and a broad skillset that can be applied to the problems we work on, including:
·       Problem Solving – We work on some of the toughest abstract problems at Steelcase with no obvious solution.  Your ability to define a problem, break it down into components, select its most critical elements, create a plan to address them, drive the analytical work needed to develop a perspective, and synthetize it all into a coherent set of options and recommendations will be critical.
·       Analysis and Critical Thinking – You will be expected to provide robust, evidence-based recommendations which will require you to analyze large amounts of information and integrate it into a coherent perspective.  Strong analytical and critical thinking experience is a must to be successful in this role.
·       Communication – You will regularly communicate the progress and results of a project to a variety of stakeholders, including senior operations leaders.  Your ability to create and deliver effective presentations and documents which clearly and succinctly summarize large amounts of information will be key.
·       Ownership/Entrepreneurial Mindset – The person in this role will have an outsized influence on the company’s operations and will require a strong ownership mentality who acts in the company’s best interest at all times.  An entrepreneurial mindset that pushes the company to improve across all areas without waiting for direction will be key to your success.
·       Project Management – You will be working in a fast-paced environment that will require you to establish deadlines and define next steps for yourself and for others.  You will often be expected to provide your recommendation on the next actions to complete rather than wait for direction from your manager.

If you are an undergraduate who is getting ready to graduate, or have been working for one or two years out of college, the Operations Strategy Analyst role represents a unique opportunity to develop a strong foundational business skillset that will boost your career at Steelcase and beyond.