Strategy & Operations Director (COO Office)

Navan is looking for an experienced Strategy & Operations Director to help shape and drive execution of the company's highest-priority strategic initiatives.

Reporting to the VP of Strategy & Operations within the COO Office, this role sits at the centre of Navan's enterprise execution engine. The COO Office is responsible for translating company strategy into operational reality, partnering with leaders across the business to solve complex problems, drive alignment, and accelerate execution on Navan's most important priorities.

As a senior member of the Strategy & Operations team, you will independently lead strategic workstreams, develop executive-level recommendations, and drive complex cross-functional initiatives from concept through delivery. You'll partner closely with the VP of Strategy & Operations to help scale the effectiveness of the COO Office.

This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to influence company-wide priorities and help shape how Navan operates as it continues to scale globally.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the VP of Strategy & Operations, helping define priorities, solve complex business problems, and develop strategic recommendations for executive decision-making
• Lead multiple strategic initiatives spanning business units, functions, and regions, owning workstreams from problem definition and scoping through execution and successful delivery
• Structure ambiguous business problems, conduct rigorous analysis, evaluate strategic options, and develop clear, data-driven recommendations
• Drive cross-functional execution by aligning stakeholders, coordinating delivery, and proactively resolving dependencies, risks, and execution blockers
• Design and continuously improve operating models, governance processes, and execution frameworks that enable effective delivery of complex company-wide initiatives.
• Develop executive reporting and governance mechanisms that provide leadership with clear visibility into initiative progress, key risks, decisions, and outcomes
• Identify opportunities to improve company performance and proactively develop initiatives that advance Navan's strategic objectives
• Partner with the VP of Strategy & Operations in running the COO Office, including leadership operating rhythms, executive communications, business reviews, Board and Executive Staff materials, and special projects
• Conduct strategic analyses and lead ad hoc projects supporting the COO organisation across Product, Engineering, Operations, Account Management, Support, Infrastructure, IT and Security

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in Strategy Consulting (top-tier), Strategy & Operations within a high-growth technology company, or as Chief of Staff to a CEO or COO. Experience in Travel, FinTech SaaS is preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading complex strategic initiatives from problem definition through execution, delivering measurable business outcomes
• Exceptional analytical, structured problem-solving, and programme management skills
• Proven ability to independently lead multiple cross-functional initiatives in fast-paced, highly ambiguous environments
• Strong business judgement with the ability to develop thoughtful recommendations, balance competing priorities, and navigate complex trade-offs
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with a demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment without direct authority
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with executive leadership on strategic direction and key decisions
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level presentations and communicating effectively with senior leadership and Boards
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and a strong bias for action.

About Navan

Navan (Nasdaq: NAVN) is the global AI-powered business travel and expense platform that makes travel easy for frequent travelers. From finding flights and hotels, to automating expense reconciliation, with 24/7 support along the way, Navan delivers an intuitive experience travelers love and finance teams rely on. See how Navan customers benefit and learn more at navan.com.

Culture of Excellence

Our team is our competitive edge — a high-performance group of smart, driven people committed to winning together. This dedication to excellence is why we’ve been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In (2023–2026), a G2 Best Global Software Company (2025–2026), Forbes Cloud 100 (2022–2025), and CNBC Disruptor 50 (2022–2025). At Navan, we provide an environment where top talent excels, offering the autonomy and fast-paced trajectory needed to build a defining career and do the best work of your life.

Our Benefits

Navan offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your well-being, financial security, and life outside of work. Our benefits, thoughtfully tailored by country to meet local needs, include healthcare coverage, insurance offerings, and wellness resources for you and your family.

We support long-term financial growth through retirement savings programs and opportunities to participate in our equity plans, so you can share in Navan’s success. To promote balance, we offer flexible time off, country-specific holidays, and paid parental leave for all new parents. Additional benefits include connectivity and commuting support*, mental health resources, and exclusive travel-related perks. Wherever you’re based, our benefits evolve with you.

*Applies to select locations.*

Workplace Policy

Navan believes in the value of in-person connections, whether that’s sitting down to have lunch with one another, taking a walking 1:1, or collaborating in a room together. The connections forged through face-to-face interactions improve company culture and drive business results. Navan invests in global office spaces — in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, among others — that feel welcoming. In-office perks such as company-provided lunches and happy hours create a strong team environment to help you do your best work. Our employees work from the office four days a week. Please expect this policy for all roles that are tied to an office.

Equal Opportunity

Navan is an equal opportunity employer. We make all employment decisions based solely on merit. We provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We prohibit any such discrimination or harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring.

Accommodations

Navan complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Navan will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability in connection with applications for employment as required by law.

If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, you are welcome to email us at talent-accommodations@navan.com.

Candidate Privacy Notice and Use of AI

As part of the recruitment process, certain personal data may be processed using automated tools, including tools that use AI. For details on how Navan collects and uses your personal data, please review Navan's Candidate Privacy Notice here.

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