Strategic Operations Specialist

The Bata Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers and retailers of quality footwear. A global company with more than 30,000 employees, over 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries worldwide, Bata has been providing the best shoes at the best value for money, backed by unparalleled service, for more than 120 years. Since its founding in 1894 by Thomas Bata, the Company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to responsible and innovative business models in the belief that capital is not just money, but, above all, people, knowledge and core values. Today, Bata's pioneering principles enable the company to adapt quickly to market changes. It also continues Bata's long tradition of being sensitive to cultural and national differences and enables it to function proudly as an inclusive company in every country in which it operates. DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE: The Strategic Operations Specialist will focus on business and data analysis to support decision-making for the planning and execution of the Bata strategy. This role part of the Strategic Operation function , a dedicated team reporting to the Group CEO — will support the coordination of the governance, ensuring strategic alignment, and enabling the effective execution of company-wide priorities. The Strategic Operations Specialist will act as an internal consultant; the role is involved on cross-functional workstreams to align internal processes with industry-best practices, to foster innovation, and to accelerate technology evolution. The role will partner closely with the Senior Leadership teams involved in the transformation projects that enhance operational efficiency across key domains of Bata’s value chain. The role requires analysing data and current business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and drive the change management. The Strategic Operations Specialist reports directly to the Director Strategic Operations, providing regular updates on strategic initiatives and project progress, challenges, and opportunities. KEY RESPONSABILITIES: The responsibilities of this role can be divided into 3 streams: Strategic Operations Act as a thought partner to the Director of Strategic Operations in tracking and driving the execution of cross-functional strategic objectives. Support in the planning and delivery of company-wide programs to ensure alignment of long-term company goals. Business Analysis Conduct comprehensive business analysis to inform the decision-making process and to identify opportunities for improvement and growth. Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Director of Strategic Operations. Test new ideas quickly, and scale what works to ensure financial impact. Strategic Planning & Decision Support Steering: gather and synthesize input from key stakeholders into actionable insights Dashboarding: monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and suggest adjustments as needed. Prepare materials to support high-level decisions by the Director and VP. REQUIREMENTS: We are looking for a candidate who can make a significant impact. The profile should include: Core Experience & Mindset International Retail Expertise: A minimum of 3 years' experience within an international retail organization, demonstrating a deep understanding of fashion industry business processes and commercial requirements. Entrepreneurial & Global Outlook: A true passion for the retail and fashion sector, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit focused on continuous improvement and growth. You possess a global mindset, with experience working effectively with diverse teams across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Collaborative Agility: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment, successfully managing and prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously. Analytical & Technical Expertise Strategic & Tech-Driven: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, paired with a passion for leveraging technology to optimize processes and enhance ways of working. Financial Acumen: The ability to confidently analyze financial statements to assess business health and inform strategic decisions. Advanced Data & Visualization Skills: Expert of MS Excel (advanced functions, data analysis) combined with experience in statistical analysis and data visualization tools, particularly Power BI and PowerPoint. QUALIFICATIONS: Educational Background: A university degree (or equivalent) in Business, Economics, Retail Management, or a related analytical field. Communication & Language: Excellent, polished communication and presentation skills. Business fluency in English is essential; proficiency in additional languages is a strong advantage. LOCATION: Limena, Italy (PD) Possibility of working in Smart Working for part of the week after an initial on-site training period Willingness to travel