Sr. Director, Strategic Operations

Brief Description

WHO WE ARE

Tsunami Express is building the future of express car washing — powered by people, automation, and smart technology. We currently operate 75+ locations across the Midwest and are rapidly expanding to 100+ locations and beyond.

Our mission is simple: deliver a car wash experience so seamless and satisfying that it becomes our customers’ favorite errand.

Our Values: Fun

• Helpful
• Pioneering
• Accountable
• Together

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Sr. Director of Strategic Operations is the architect of how Tsunami operates today—and how it will successfully scale to 100, 150, and 200 locations.

This role owns the systems, operational frameworks, technology roadmap, and organizational capabilities that make sustainable growth possible. While field leadership is responsible for execution, the Sr. Director of Strategic Operations is responsible for designing and improving the operating model that drives execution.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this leader serves as the bridge between strategy and field operations, ensuring every initiative, system, process, and training program is practical, scalable, and adopted successfully across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a systems thinker, change leader, and strategic operator who can translate vision into operational reality.

What You’ll Own

Strategic Operations & Operating Model Design

• Own the operational infrastructure that supports consistent execution across all locations
• Design and continuously improve systems, playbooks, frameworks, and processes that enable scalable growth
• Ensure operational standards can be executed consistently without excessive central oversight
• Serve as the primary architect of Tsunami’s future operating model

Learning & Development Strategy

• Lead the Learning & Development function through direct leadership of the Director of Learning & Development
• Ensure training programs align with real-world operating conditions and business needs
• Build capability frameworks that develop leaders and improve operational performance
• Measure success through demonstrated behavior change and improved business outcomes

Operations Excellence

• Lead the Operations Excellence function through direct leadership of the Director of Ops Excellence
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that simplify operations and improve performance
• Establish KPI frameworks, reporting structures, and performance management systems that create visibility without unnecessary administrative burden
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions

Technology Strategy & Implementation

• Own the operational technology roadmap, including evaluation, prioritization, and deployment of key business systems
• Partner with Operations, IT, and executive leadership to ensure technology investments support long-term growth
• Oversee technology implementation efforts including operational systems, reporting tools, field technology, and future infrastructure development
• Support the growth and development of the IT function as the organization scales

Cross-Functional Leadership & Change Management

• Serve as the integration point between strategic planning and field execution
• Ensure new initiatives launch with clear implementation plans, training, communication, and feedback mechanisms
• Partner closely with Operations leaders to balance ideal-state design with field realities
• Build organizational alignment and drive adoption of new systems, processes, and technologies

Team Leadership & Organizational Capability

• Lead and develop Directors responsible for Learning & Development, Operations Excellence, and future IT functions
• Create long-term capability roadmaps that support organizational growth
• Build teams, structure, and resources necessary to support continued expansion
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

• Extensive leadership experience in operations, strategic operations, operational excellence, continuous improvement, or related disciplines
• Proven success designing systems, processes, and operating models for multi-site organizations
• Strong understanding of change management, organizational development, and operational scaling
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing across multiple departments
• Ability to translate strategy into executable operational plans
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a focus on root-cause analysis
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience leading technology implementations and operational transformation initiatives preferred
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution

Summary

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive executive compensation package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Opportunity to shape the future operating model of a rapidly growing organization
• A culture built on innovation, accountability, and teamwork

TRAVEL & SCHEDULE

This is a hybrid, HQ-based leadership role requiring approximately 10–15% travel.

Travel May Include

• Field visits to evaluate operational effectiveness and training adoption
• New site readiness assessments and operational support
• Technology deployment initiatives
• Leadership meetings and vendor engagements

Additional travel may be required to support major operational initiatives, acquisitions, or new site openings.

About Tsunami Express

At Tsunami Express, we believe operational excellence starts with great people, smart systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As we continue our rapid growth, we are investing in the leaders, technology, and infrastructure that will allow us to scale without sacrificing the customer experience or culture that define our brand.

The Sr. Director of Strategic Operations plays a critical role in building that future.

Our Values: Fun

• Helpful
• Pioneering
• Accountable
• Together

This job posting is a guide, not a ceiling. At Tsunami Express, we grow fast — and so do our people. The right person in this role will help shape the systems, capabilities, and operational infrastructure that drive our next stage of growth.