Director - Strategic Initiatives

With millions of diners, tens of thousands of restaurants, and 23+ years of experience, OpenTable, part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), is an industry leader with a unique insight into the world of hospitality. We champion restaurants, bars, wineries, and other venues around the world, helping them attract guests, manage capacity, improve operations and maximize revenue.

Every employee at OpenTable has a tangible impact on what we do and how we do it. You’ll also be part of a global network that includes OpenTable and KAYAK's portfolio of travel brands including Swoodoo, checkfelix, momondo, Cheapflights, Mundi and HotelsCombined.

Hospitality is all about taking care of others, and it defines our culture. You’ll work in a welcoming and inclusive environment, and get the benefits, flexibility, and support you need to succeed.

We are seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives to own, lead and manage high-impact, cross-company strategic projects, ensuring alignment and collaboration across departments to achieve company objectives! This role requires an individual adept at connecting strategic dots and bridging gaps between disparate efforts. We are looking for a clear communicator, with a strategic attitude and for whom project management and organization comes second nature. The Director will report to the Chief Strategy Officer.

In this role, you will:

• Critical Initiative Development: Develop and implement enterprise-level critical initiatives that align with the organization's vision and goals. Ensure these initiatives are effectively integrated across all functions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to drive alignment and support for strategic projects. Act as a liaison between various departments, including Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Legal and Finance, to ensure cohesive execution. 

• Stakeholder Management: Proven experience in managing relationships with multiple external partners, alongside cross-functional collaboration with internal teams, is essential. Coordinate and align internal partners and efforts with external partners to achieve common goals.

• Stakeholder Influence: Influence and engage team members at all levels to align across and gain support and commitment for critical initiatives. 

• Project Management: Apply project management methodologies to plan, implement, and monitor the progress of critical initiatives. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.

• Financial and Strategic Analysis: Create, own and analyze financial models and metrics for the initiative, setting key goals and tracking performance.

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks associated with projects and develop mitigation strategies. Address issues proactively to ensure project success.

 

Please apply if:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.

• 8+ years of experience in management consulting, investment banking, startup operations, or a similar role is a plus.

• Exceptional analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills with a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.

• Proven ability to manage multiple high-visibility projects simultaneously with a disciplined and organized approach.

• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills. Experience in engaging with senior leaders and representing the company with multiple external partners when the initiative requires it.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.

• Strong skills in Excel and PowerPoint are required.

Benefits:

• Generous paid vacation

• Day off on your birthday

• Company matched retirement plans

• Health, dental and vision insurance plans

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Headspace Subscription

• Drinks, coffee, snacks, games

• Flexible hours

• Universal Paid Parental leave

Note for Connecticut Residents: To receive estimated salary range information for this role pursuant to Connecticut's "An Act Concerning the Disclosure of Salary Range for a Vacant Position", email CTCareers@kayak.com. You must include the name of the position in your request. 

Equity Eligible 

There are a variety of factors that go into determining a salary range, including but not limited to external market benchmark data, geographic location, and years of experience sought/required. The range for this remote United States based role is $170,000-$210,000.

In addition to a competitive base salary, roles are eligible for additional compensation and benefits including: annual cash bonus, equity grant; health benefits; flexible spending account; retirement benefits; life insurance; paid time off (including PTO, paid sick leave, medical leave, bereavement leave, floating holidays and paid holidays); and parental leave and benefits.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We aspire to have a workplace that reflects all of the diverse communities we serve. We know that when we have diverse teams we produce more creative ideas, products, and better outcomes for our team members. OpenTable/KAYAK is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for roles on our team. Whoever you are, just be you.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform job responsibilities, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

•

Last updated on Aug 28, 2024