Aquent Greater London, England, United KingdomStrategic Operations Lead EMEIAClient Location: London - hybridStarting: February 2026Pay Comments: up to £567.99/day PAYEHours: 40-hour weekDuration: 12 monthsJob Description:Our client is looking for a Strategic Operations Lead - Retail Engagement, Marketing & Merchandising (REMM) EMEIA to drive business planning, operational excellence, and organisational effectiveness. This role partners closely with regional and worldwide leadership to shape people engagement strategies, future‑proof team competencies, and elevate performance across one of the most dynamic regions.This is a key strategic role, reporting into the regional leadership team. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional collaborator equally comfortable in the detail of planning as in shaping the future of the organisation.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and lead the REMM EMEIA planning framework, cultivating a culture of innovation, alignment, and collaboration.Facilitate cross‑functional planning forums across EMEIA and Worldwide, including Store Business Planning and Online Promo Planning.Represent and manage the EMEIA REMM Plan of Record (POR) to drive strategic readiness and alignment across all REMM functions.Lead leadership operating rhythms — including staff meetings, quarterly offsites, manager pulse sessions, and key Global Retail Support (GRS) meetings.Oversee capacity and resource planning to ensure optimal allocation against strategic priorities and operational goals.Support leadership through budget reviews and performance tracking, maintaining clarity on priorities and outcomes.Data & InsightsChampion the integration of data and insights into strategic decision‑making processes across REMM.Partner with internal teams and external agencies to manage research portfolios that inform regional strategies and marketing effectiveness.Act as the Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) for implementing strategic platforms, dashboards, and custom research initiatives — including market‑specific audience analyses and program measurement.Partner with the EMEIA REMM Leadership Team to develop and articulate client's strategy, frameworks, and storytelling.Connect the dots between REMM and other GRS teams, ensuring strategic cohesion across functions and geographies.Lead strategic planning for expansion markets, coordinating across Readiness, Retail Operations, client's Online Store, and Geo Store leadership teams.Leverage data and insights to inform strategic recommendations, and prepare Keynote materials for executive presentations.People & Organisational DesignCollaborate with Leadership and People Business Partners to shape organisational design and drive people processes — including talent planning, calibrations, annual reviews, and employee engagement.Define role structures, competencies, and recruitment strategies aligned with REMM EMEIA’s long‑term growth vision.Build business cases for future resourcing, ensuring the organisation evolves to meet the demands of client's next chapter.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Marketing, Operations, Finance, or a related field.8+ years’ experience in strategic or operational planning within a complex, matrixed organisation.Proven track record of driving cross‑functional collaboration, operational excellence, and measurable outcomes.Deep understanding of organisational strategyPreferred QualificationsStrong program and project management expertise, leading complex initiatives across regional and global teams.Proficiency in capacity planning and performance optimisation tools (e.g., Wrike, Keynote, Numbers).Advanced analytical capability with the ability to translate data into actionable strategy.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and inspiring at all levels.Highly adaptable, results‑oriented, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast‑paced environment.*This role is open for a limited time. Next steps will be shared with shortlisted candidates ASAP. Due to the high volume of applicants, we may be unable to reply to each applicant individually. Thank you for taking the time to apply.Client DescriptionOur Client is a multinational technology company that boasts some of the most popular consumer electronics on the planet. They also offer prolific media and entertainment services, software, cloud services, fitness accessories, and payment solutions.Aquent is dedicated to improving inclusivity & is proudly an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups & are committed to providing support to applicants with disabilities. We aim to provide reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, to those with a medical condition, disability or neurodivergence.Seniority level: Not ApplicableEmployment type: ContractJob function: Business DevelopmentIndustries: Technology, Information and Media #J-18808-Ljbffr