What does a Strategy Manager do?

Strategy Managers generally work in-house, but many work as consultants on a contractual basis. They typically represent the top organizational leadership and can be found in most industries.

These professionals strategize organizational growth while minimizing risks. Strategy Managers develop and assess organizational goals and conduct thorough data analysis on market trends and industry competition to back up their strategies. They collaborate with executives and department heads to implement strategies and present actionable steps, which can include creating financial models and budgets, helping human resources hire or train staff and suggesting new products or services.

Strategy Manager skills and qualifications

To be successful in their role and meet the requirements of your job description, Strategy Managers should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Verbal and communication skills to collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization
• Strong research and analytical skills to interpret market and industry data
• Project management skills
• Current understanding of industry trends and processes
• Knowledge of financial structures
• Problem-solving skills to create optimized strategies that account for and mitigate risk

Strategy Manager experience requirements

Strategy Managers must possess exceptional experience in their role to develop an understanding of business operations and procedures, typically over three to five years. Many employers that specialize in certain fields prefer candidates with a background or history in the same or a similar industry.

For example, some candidates may gain an understanding of business processes as an accountant in a tax preparation firm before advancing to business administration, management consulting or strategic planning roles. Those in Strategy Manager careers often take on more responsibility as they gain experience and advance in their roles, working on more complex projects and implementing large-scale growth strategies.

Strategy Manager education and training requirements

Strategy Managers usually only need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, management or fields related to your business’s industry to gain entry-level work, but you may prefer to hire candidates with more advanced education such as a master’s degree or other diplomas.

Additional certificates or designations aren’t required but may be an asset to your business, such as the Certified Management Consultant designation from the Institute of Management Consultants USA.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description doesn’t fit what you’re looking for at your business, see the following job descriptions for related roles:

• Analyst
• Operations Analyst
• Business Development Executive
• Business Manager

Strategy Manager FAQs

What qualities does a strong Strategy Manager have?

Successful Strategy Managers should be able to conceptualize and express a strong vision of their goals and strategy for the organization. They should be aware of the fast pace of internal and industry developments and ready to make thoughtful strategy changes in response to minor changes quickly. Strategy Managers should also be transparent and prudent in their decisions.

What is the difference between a Strategy Manager and a Business Manager?

Strategy Manager and Business Manager are separate roles, but they often have a functional overlap that makes these jobs difficult to distinguish from one another. Strategy Managers are responsible for general planning for their organization, field or department, viewing each operational process in relation to the organization’s greater overall strategy.

Business Managers also possess strategic skills but are more concerned with optimizing their department’s performance than balancing department priorities with company strategies and resources. Business Managers advocate for their own department and control allocated budgets and resources, and Strategy Managers mediate between the organization’s department managers.

Who does a Strategy Manager report to?

Strategy Managers make up the leadership and upper hierarchy of an organization. They typically report to and collaborate with other management executives to develop and implement business strategies.

What should you look for in a Strategy Manager resume?

To ensure candidates are aligned with your business needs, look for terms and keywords related to your job description in Strategy Manager resumes. Strong resumes should also include quantifiable results from previous experience demonstrating success or performance in previous roles.