Business Operations Manager

NextStep is a digital, AI-first career platform dedicated to helping top-performing consultants navigate career transitions. By leveraging a data-driven approach, NextStep matches professionals with high-fit opportunities while enabling companies to connect with exceptional talent. The platform is developed in collaboration with Consulting Comedy, the largest consulting-focused community globally, boasting 1M+ subscribers.

On behalf of our partner network, we're recruiting a Business Operations Manager in Chicago.

Business Operations Manager - Chicago

Salary Range: $90,000 - $125,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

What you'll be responsible for:

The selected candidate for the Business Operations Manager role will drive operational excellence, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional problem-solving across the organization. You will translate business challenges into executable solutions and support leadership in scaling operations and achieving growth objectives. You will:

• Lead strategic operations initiatives: process optimization, organizational design, go-to-market strategy, and operational scaling
• Design and implement frameworks that improve business efficiency, team productivity, and cross-functional collaboration
• Analyze operational performance metrics and surface insights that drive business decisions and identify improvement opportunities
• Partner with business leaders across functions to diagnose operational challenges and develop data-driven solutions
• Prepare executive-level reporting and presentations that communicate operational results, strategic recommendations, and implementation roadmaps
• Support high-priority strategic projects: new market entry, product launches, partnership development, or business transformation initiatives

You'll be a strong match if you have:

• 1-3+ years in consulting (MBB, Big 4, or boutique firms) with exposure to operations strategy, process improvement, or organizational effectiveness work
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills (i.e., you can structure ambiguous problems, analyze root causes, and design practical solutions)
• Experience driving cross-functional projects from strategy through execution, including change management and stakeholder alignment
• The ability to translate complex operational challenges into clear insights and actionable recommendations for business leaders
• Strategic thinking combined with operational pragmatism (i.e., you know how to balance big-picture vision with execution realities)
• Proficiency with operational tools and platforms (project management software, process mapping tools, SQL, or data visualization tools is a plus)

If you've built your career in consulting and are ready to transition into a high-impact business operations role in industry, multiple companies in our network are likely looking for you.

How to apply:

• Step 1: Submit your application.
• Step 2: You'll receive an invite to join the NextStep platform.
• Step 3: Complete your profile and get matched with the best-fit companies and opportunities in our partner network.

Please note: If your background is a strong match for this specific role, we'll connect you with the hiring company for next steps. If this particular role isn't the right fit, we'll continue matching you with similar opportunities that align with your expertise, industry preferences, and career goals.