Manager, Strategic Operations and Finance

Milton CAT is seeking a high-impact, analytically driven leader to partner directly with the COO in driving operational, financial, and digital transformation across the organization. This role sits at the intersection of finance, operations, and technology, with a mandate to improve visibility, strengthen decision-making, and accelerate execution across a complex, multi-division business.

The ideal candidate will act as both a business analyst and operational leader, translating financial and operational data into actionable insights while working closely with operating managers to improve performance, accountability, and eU'iciency. This individual will also serve as a central driver of cross-functional initiatives, helping to modernize processes, implement digital tools, and build a more data-driven culture.

Pay Rate:  $115,000-$135,000 annual salary

Financial Visibility & Business Analytics

• Develop and implement consistent monthly reporting processes (e.g., accelerated close, standardized reporting cadence)
• Analyze performance across operating groups, including pricing, gross margins, and cost drivers
• Build P&L visibility at the location and customer level to better understand profitability and performance drivers
• Identify and investigate discrepancies (e.g., shipped but not invoiced activity, aging inventory, margin leakage)
• Synthesize data into clear, actionable insights for executive and operational leadership

COO Office / Strategic Execution

• Serve as a trusted partner to the COO, supporting cross-functional priorities and operational decision-making
• Lead and coordinate high-impact initiatives across business units (e.g., cce segment launch, operational improvements)
• Drive meeting cadence, accountability, and follow-through across operating teams
• Act as a “connector” across departments, ensuring alignment between operations, finance, and commercial teams

Operational Improvement & Workflow Optimization

• Diagnose ineU'iciencies in workflows across branches and functions (Sales, Service, Parts, Rentals, Power Systems)
• Standardize and streamline processes to improve consistency, speed, and execution
• Improve communication and coordination between teams, particularly around revenue-generating activities
• Identify opportunities to improve field productivity, service delivery, and operational throughput

Digital Transformation & Systems Enablement

• Support ERP transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365, including alignment of reporting, workflows, and data structures
• Partner with teams to improve integration across systems and reduce reliance on manual processes
• Help translate digital initiatives (AI models, inventory optimization tools, service applications) into practical, scalable use   cases
• Drive adoption of new tools and ensure business teams understand and leverage available capabilities

Inventory, Pricing & Performance Optimization

• Analyze inventory levels, aging, and obsolescence; support initiatives to improve turnover and working capital
• Evaluate pricing strategies and margin performance across business lines
• Partner with Sales and Operations to align pricing, demand, and inventory decisions
• Support initiatives to improve responsiveness to leads and customer engagement (e.g., 30-minute response targets)

Culture & Change Leadership

• Help foster a more data-driven, accountable, and proactive culture across the organization
• Challenge existing processes and assumptions while building trust with operating teams
• Encourage a shift from reactive reporting to forward-looking decision-making
• Support leadership in driving greater ownership and accountability at the operating level

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Operations, or related field; MBA preferred
• 3–6+ years of experience in operations, finance, consulting, or transformation roles
• Strong analytical skills with ability to move from data → insight → action
• Experience working in complex, multi-site operational environments preferred
• Familiarity with ERP systems (D365 preferred) and dashboard/reporting tools
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders
• Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

Personal Attributes

• Builder mindset — thrives in 0→1 environments and creating structure where none exists
• Operator-first thinker — focuses on how the business actually runs, not just how it reports
• Data-driven — prioritizes facts and uses analysis to drive decisions
• Challenger (with tact) — willing to ask hard questions and push for better outcomes
• Low ego, high ownership — willing to dig into details and work alongside teams
• Translator — able to connect finance, operations, and technology into clear action

What Success Looks Like

• Clear, actionable financial visibility across locations and business units
• Faster, more consistent reporting and decision-making cadence
• Reduced ineU'iciencies in workflows and improved cross-functional coordination
• Improved inventory management and reduction in aged/obsolete assets
• Measurable improvements in pricing discipline and gross margins
• Successful support of ERP and digital transformation initiatives
• Stronger culture of accountability, ownership, and data-driven decision-making

Why This Role?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with senior leadership to help modernize and scale a $1.7B business. It is designed for someone who wants to build a deep understanding of operations while driving meaningful change across finance, systems, and workflows — with a clear path toward broader operational leadership.

his job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Your supervisor may request and assign similar duties.

Resumes that are mailed, emailed or hand-delivered to Milton CAT or any employee will not be considered. You must apply online. A background check and drug test are required as part of our pre-employment process.

Milton CAT is an equal opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Applicants receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, handicap, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status. We base all employment decisions to further this principle of equal employment opportunity. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EEO/AA employer. Milton CAT is a Drug-Free workplace.