Principal Business Operations Manager - US

At Instructure, we believe in the power of people to grow and succeed throughout their lives. Our goal is to amplify that power by creating intuitive products that simplify learning and personal development, facilitate meaningful relationships, and inspire people to go further in their education and careers. We do this by giving smart, creative, passionate people opportunities to create awesome. And that's where you come in: The Principal Business Operations Manager at Instructure, Inc. will lead strategic initiatives, optimize operational processes, and drive cross-functional alignment to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the organization. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and strong leadership to support Instructure's continued growth and success. What you will do: - Lead and manage complex operational projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and measurable impact. - Analyze existing business processes, identify inefficiencies, and design and implement solutions for optimization and automation. - Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to track progress, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making. - Collaborate closely with senior leadership across various departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Product, Engineering, Finance) to align operational strategies with overall business objectives. - Drive the adoption of best practices in operational management and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma). - Facilitate cross-functional communication and collaboration to ensure seamless execution of operational initiatives. - Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations to executive stakeholders, summarizing project status, performance, and strategic implications. - Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous learning. - Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to enhance operational capabilities and productivity. - Manage vendor relationships and evaluate third-party solutions to support operational needs. What you will need to know/have - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or a related quantitative field. Master's degree (MBA) preferred. - 10+ years of progressive experience in business operations, strategic operations, or management consulting, preferably within the SaaS or technology industry. - Proven track record of successfully leading and executing complex operational projects that delivered significant business impact. - Expertise in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and change management principles. - Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations. - Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. - Advanced proficiency in project management software, data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Tableau, Excel), and CRM/ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce). - Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment. - Strong leadership capabilities with experience in mentoring and developing team members. - Prior experience working in an agile environment is a plus. Get in on all the awesome at Instructure! We offer competitive, meaningful benefits in every country where we operate. While they vary by location, here's a general idea of what you can expect: - Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program - because everyone should have a stake in our success. - Flexible work culture. Our remote, hybrid and in-office collaboration spaces vary by role, team and location. - Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December, when teams are encouraged to