Enterprise Operations Process Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Enterprise Operations Process Design Director

Company: REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Operations / Enterprise Operations

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and refinement of enterprise operating models and governance systems to enhance organizational alignment and execution.

• Apply design thinking methodologies to innovate and scale new ways of working, translating complex business needs into actionable processes and frameworks.

• Establish and coordinate operational governance processes, clarifying decision-making roles and responsibilities across the enterprise.

• Act as an internal consultant, partnering with various teams to develop and implement new processes, providing essential tools, templates, and facilitation for consistent adoption.

• Define and monitor process health metrics, driving continuous improvement through regular reviews and strategic updates to operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership function within Enterprise Operations, focusing on strategic process design and operating model development. The emphasis on "enterprise-wide" and "cross-divisional collaboration" indicates a significant scope impacting multiple departments, likely including Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success, making it highly relevant for GTM operations professionals seeking to influence broader business strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Enterprise Operating Model Design: Architect and evolve enterprise operating models that strategically link business strategy, financial planning processes, and daily operational execution.

• Process Innovation & Design Thinking: Lead the application of design thinking and service design principles to create, pilot, and scale innovative operational processes and frameworks that meet evolving business demands.

• Operational Governance & Decision Rights: Develop and implement robust governance structures and decision-making frameworks across the organization, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and accountability for key operational processes.

• Consulting & Enablement: Serve as a strategic advisor to business units, facilitating the development and adoption of new processes by providing comprehensive toolkits, standardized templates, and expert guidance.

• Measurement & Continuous Improvement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track process effectiveness and efficiency; champion a culture of continuous improvement through regular performance reviews and process optimization initiatives.

• Technology Integration for Processes: Evaluate and advocate for the integration of digital process tools, including RPA, process mining, and AI in processes, to automate workflows, enhance data-driven decision-making, and extract actionable insights from process data.

• Cross-Functional Process Alignment: Foster strong collaboration across departments to ensure processes are integrated, efficient, and support seamless end-to-end business operations, particularly within the retail sector context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, high-impact role focused on foundational operational architecture. The emphasis on "connecting strategy, financial planning, and day-to-day operations" and "clarifying decision-making roles and responsibilities" points to a need for expertise in cross-functional process mapping and governance, crucial for optimizing the entire GTM and operational value chain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Organizational Design, or a closely related field.

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred, indicating a need for advanced theoretical and practical understanding of operational frameworks. Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in design thinking, process design, or organizational design.

• Demonstrated experience applying design thinking or service design methodologies to solve complex organizational challenges and improve business outcomes.

• Proven track record of partnering with senior leadership (VP-level and above) to design, build, and scale cross-functional processes and operating models.

• Knowledge of enterprise planning, governance structures, and decision-making processes, particularly within the retail industry. Required Skills:

• Design Thinking & Process Innovation: Expertise in applying design thinking, service design, and agile methodologies to conceptualize, develop, and implement innovative business processes.

• Enterprise Operating Model Design: Proficient in designing, documenting, and refining complex enterprise operating models that align strategic objectives with operational execution.

• Operational Governance & Decision Rights: Strong understanding of establishing and managing governance frameworks, including defining decision-making authority and accountability across an organization.

• Facilitation & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels, from individual contributors to senior executives.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to analyze complex systems, understand interdependencies, and design holistic solutions that optimize overall organizational performance.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Deep knowledge of process improvement frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and their application in driving efficiency and effectiveness.

Preferred Skills:

• Relevant Certifications: TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) or CBPP (Certified Business Process Professional) certifications are preferred, signaling a need for formal accreditation in enterprise architecture and business process management.

• Digital Process Tools & Emerging Technologies: Proficiency in leveraging digital process tools such as RPA (Robotic Process Automation), process mining software, and advanced data analytics platforms. Familiarity with AI applications in process automation and optimization is a significant plus.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Specific understanding of enterprise planning, governance, and decision-making structures as they apply to the retail sector.

• Change Management: Experience in leading and managing organizational change initiatives related to process and operating model transformations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience and a Master's degree, combined with preferred certifications like TOGAF, positions this as a senior-level strategic operations role. The emphasis on "enterprise operating models" and "governance systems" suggests a deep dive into the foundational structures that GTM and Revenue Operations rely upon.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of complex cross-functional processes designed, implemented, and optimized, highlighting the problem, solution, and quantifiable business impact.

• Operating Model Frameworks: Examples of enterprise operating models or frameworks developed, illustrating how they connect strategy, planning, and execution across different business units.

• Governance Structures: Documentation or examples of governance structures, decision rights matrices (e.g., RACI), and policy frameworks created to guide organizational decision-making.

• Transformation Projects: Evidence of leading significant process or organizational transformation initiatives, demonstrating the ability to manage scope, stakeholders, and outcomes.

• Metrics & ROI Demonstration: Clear presentation of metrics used to measure process performance and continuous improvement, with a focus on demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI) for implemented changes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to create clear, comprehensive, and scalable workflow diagrams and process maps using industry-standard notation (e.g., BPMN).

• System Implementation Standards: Experience in defining requirements for and overseeing the implementation of process-related technologies, ensuring alignment with designed workflows.

• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Skills in developing dashboards and reports to track process KPIs, identify bottlenecks, and communicate performance to stakeholders.

• Best Practice Frameworks: Development and documentation of internal best practices for process design, governance, and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end process design, operating model development, and governance implementation is critical. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and ability to translate complex concepts into tangible, scalable operational frameworks, particularly highlighting their impact on efficiency and decision-making.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,300.00 - $238,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• Generous Employee Discount: Significant discounts on REI products and services, a key perk for outdoor enthusiasts and retail professionals.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Access to a robust package of health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: A competitive retirement savings plan, likely a 401(k) with employer matching contributions, to support long-term financial security.

• Accrued Time Off: Ample paid time off (PTO) that accrues over time, allowing for work-life balance and personal rejuvenation.

• Relocation Assistance: Available for candidates not currently residing in the Greater Seattle area, facilitating a move to the company's headquarters.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week. While on-site, the role's strategic nature may allow for some flexibility in daily scheduling, coordinated with team and leadership needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial, reflecting the senior and strategic nature of this Director-level role. The benefits package is competitive, with the employee discount being a notable perk for a company like REI. Salary estimation is based on the provided range and industry benchmarks for Director-level operations and process design roles in a major metropolitan area like Seattle.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Outdoor Recreation Retail. REI operates as a consumer cooperative, focusing on providing high-quality outdoor gear and apparel, along with services and experiences that connect people with nature. This context implies a culture that values sustainability, community, and a passion for the outdoors.

Company Size: Large. REI is a significant retail organization with a substantial employee base, indicating complex operational structures and a need for robust, scalable processes.

Founded: 1938. With a long history, REI has a well-established presence and a deep-rooted culture that values its cooperative model and member-centric approach.

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: Reports directly to the DVP of Enterprise Operations, placing this role at a high level within the operations hierarchy.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role emphasizes partnering with senior leaders across various divisions, suggesting a highly collaborative structure that bridges functional silos.

• Operations Specialization: The team likely comprises specialists in areas such as process improvement, strategic planning, operational excellence, and potentially technology integration for operations.

Methodology:

• Design Thinking & Human-Centered Approach: The role explicitly calls for design thinking, indicating a methodology focused on understanding user needs and iterative problem-solving.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on defining and tracking process metrics suggests a strong reliance on data analytics to inform decisions and measure impact.

• Collaborative Framework Development: Processes and operating models are developed in partnership with stakeholders, fostering buy-in and ensuring alignment.

Company Website: https://www.rei.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: REI's cooperative structure and focus on outdoor recreation foster a unique culture. For operations professionals, this means a potential emphasis on purpose-driven work, employee well-being, and a commitment to sustainability, alongside the standard drive for operational efficiency and strategic alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director. This is a senior leadership position responsible for shaping enterprise-wide operational strategy and design. It requires significant experience, strategic foresight, and the ability to influence organizational direction.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the DVP of Enterprise Operations. This direct line to senior leadership provides significant visibility and influence within the operations function and across the broader organization.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's ability to execute its strategy efficiently and effectively. By optimizing operating models and governance, it influences how REI delivers value to its members, manages resources, and achieves its business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within Enterprise Operations or related strategic functions, such as Chief Operating Officer or VP of Strategy.

• Broader Business Unit Influence: Opportunity to lead operational transformations in specific business units or drive strategic initiatives that span multiple departments, leveraging expertise gained in this role.

• Industry Expertise Development: Deepen expertise in enterprise architecture, process innovation, and retail operations, becoming a recognized leader in these domains.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Opportunity to build and mentor a team of process design specialists, fostering talent and ensuring the continuous evolution of operational capabilities within REI.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Director role offers a significant platform for career growth, moving beyond tactical process improvement to strategic operating model design. Success here could lead to broader responsibilities in C-suite or VP-level strategy and operations roles, particularly within large retail or consumer goods organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Seattle, Washington. This role requires a physical presence at the company's headquarters, fostering in-person collaboration and immersion in the company culture.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington. The role is based at REI's headquarters, likely in a modern office environment designed to support collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with senior leaders and various teams, suggesting an open and communicative workspace that facilitates cross-functional interaction.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary digital process tools, analytics platforms, and collaboration software will be provided to support the design and implementation of operational frameworks.

• Strategic Focus: The environment likely supports deep work and strategic thinking, balanced with frequent meetings and cross-departmental engagements to align on process initiatives.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time business hours, with potential for some flexibility. The emphasis on strategic design and leadership may require occasional work outside standard hours to meet project deadlines or facilitate critical meetings, particularly when collaborating across different time zones or with global partners (if applicable).

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Seattle suggests an environment conducive to collaborative problem-solving and direct interaction with leadership. Candidates should expect a professional, potentially fast-paced setting that values innovation and teamwork, fitting with REI's mission-driven identity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's experience requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the DVP of Enterprise Operations to explore your experience in operating model design, process innovation, and leadership capabilities.

• Panel Interview/Case Study: This stage will likely involve a presentation of your portfolio, focusing on a significant process design or operating model transformation project. Expect to discuss your methodology, challenges, outcomes, and how you applied design thinking and systems thinking. You might also face specific operational challenges to solve.

• Cross-Functional Leader Interviews: Meetings with senior leaders from departments you will collaborate with (e.g., VP of IT, VP of Retail Operations, VP of Merchandising) to assess your ability to build consensus and drive adoption.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive (e.g., SVP) to confirm strategic alignment and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each significant project, clearly outline the business problem, your role and approach (methodology), the solutions designed and implemented, key challenges faced and overcome, and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved decision-making speed, ROI).

• Highlight Process Design & Operating Models: Focus on examples that demonstrate your ability to design end-to-end processes, create robust operating models, and implement governance structures.

• Showcase Design Thinking & Systems Thinking: Explicitly connect your work to these methodologies, explaining how you used user-centered approaches and considered system-wide impacts.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible value and ROI of your work.

• Tailor to REI: Research REI's business model, values, and current operational challenges to tailor your portfolio presentation and highlight relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Challenge: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design a new process or improve an existing one for a retail context. Focus on your approach: how you'd gather requirements, involve stakeholders, design the solution, and plan for implementation and measurement.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating your strategic vision for enterprise operations and how process design contributes to broader business goals.

• Facilitation Skills: Think about how you would facilitate a workshop to gain alignment on a new operating model or process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic thinking, deep operational knowledge, and leadership potential. A strong, well-documented portfolio that showcases tangible results from process design and operating model work is paramount. Be ready to articulate your methodology and impact clearly and concisely.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Process Mapping & Modeling Software: Proficiency in tools like Lucidchart, Visio, or dedicated BPMN tools (e.g., Bizagi, Camunda) for workflow design and documentation.

• Design Thinking & Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools that support ideation, prototyping, and collaborative design, such as Miro, Mural, or similar whiteboarding and brainstorming applications.

• Enterprise Architecture Tools: Familiarity with tools used for modeling enterprise architecture, such as those supporting TOGAF principles.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Jira, or Monday.com for managing process design and implementation projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analytics Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing process performance data and creating insightful dashboards.

• Process Mining Tools: Experience with dedicated process mining software (e.g., Celonis, UiPath Process Mining, Signavio) to discover, monitor, and improve real processes by extracting knowledge from event logs.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how CRM data (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) integrates with broader operational processes is beneficial.

• RPA & Workflow Automation: Familiarity with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism) and workflow automation platforms to streamline operational tasks.

• AI in Processes: Understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be applied to optimize processes, automate decision-making, and provide predictive insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions "digital process tools and emerging technologies: RPA, process mining, data analytics, AI in processes." Candidates should be prepared to discuss their practical experience with these technologies and how they've leveraged them to automate workflows and gain insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to the Outdoors: A deep-seated respect for and passion for the outdoors, reflected in the company's mission and operational decisions.

• Inclusivity & Anti-Racism: Active commitment to fostering a fully inclusive, anti-racist, and multicultural organization where all employees feel a sense of belonging.

• Cooperative Spirit: Embracing the cooperative model, emphasizing collaboration, member value, and shared success.

• Data-Driven & Analytical: A culture that values evidence-based decision-making, utilizing data to inform strategy and measure impact.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A drive to optimize operations, streamline workflows, and continuously seek better ways of working.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Encourages strong working relationships and open communication across departments to ensure alignment and integrated processes.

• Facilitative Leadership: The role itself embodies a collaborative, consultative approach, empowering teams through shared understanding and co-creation of solutions.

• Feedback & Learning: A culture that supports constructive feedback, learning from mistakes, and adapting processes based on insights and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate how their operational approach aligns with REI's core values, particularly regarding inclusivity, sustainability, and community. The collaborative nature of the role means strong interpersonal and communication skills are as important as technical operational expertise.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Processes Across a Large Enterprise: Designing and implementing processes that work effectively across a large, diverse retail organization with multiple divisions and potentially varied regional operations.

• Driving Adoption of New Operating Models: Gaining buy-in and ensuring consistent adoption of new operating models and governance frameworks from stakeholders accustomed to existing ways of working.

• Integrating Legacy Systems & New Technologies: Balancing the need for modern process automation and data insights with existing technological infrastructure and potential legacy systems.

• Measuring Impact of Strategic Process Design: Quantifying the ROI and broader business impact of strategic operating model and process design initiatives, which can sometimes be diffuse.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Enterprise Architecture: Opportunity to deepen expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks and their application in large organizations.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into senior executive roles, honing strategic leadership, change management, and team development skills.

• Retail Operations Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of operational challenges and best practices specific to the outdoor recreation retail sector.

• Emerging Technology Integration: Staying at the forefront of process automation technologies like advanced AI, RPA, and process mining through practical application and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents the challenge of influencing organizational-wide change through strategic process design. Success will require strong change management skills, strategic foresight, and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to impact enterprise-level operations at a senior level.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed an enterprise operating model from scratch. What were the key components, and how did you ensure alignment with business strategy?" (Focus on your methodology, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes.)

• "How would you approach standardizing decision-making processes across multiple business units in a retail environment like REI?" (Discuss governance frameworks, decision rights, and communication strategies.)

• "Walk us through your process for evaluating and integrating new technologies like RPA or AI into existing operational workflows." (Highlight your understanding of the implementation lifecycle, change management, and ROI assessment.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do REI's co-op model and commitment to inclusivity inform your approach to designing operational processes?" (Research REI's values and connect them to your operational philosophy.)

• "How would you foster a culture of continuous process improvement and data-driven decision-making within the Enterprise Operations team and across the organization?" (Discuss best practices for measurement, feedback loops, and training.)

• "What are the key operational challenges you foresee for a company like REI, and how would your role address them?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 High-Impact Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your experience in operating model design, complex process innovation, and governance implementation.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Approach/Methodology -> Solution Designed -> Implementation -> Results (Quantified).

• Emphasize ROI & Strategic Alignment: Clearly articulate the business value and how your work supported overarching company goals.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for enterprise operations and demonstrate how your process design expertise directly contributes to business objectives. Your portfolio should serve as concrete evidence of your capabilities, and your answers should reflect an understanding of REI's unique culture and industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official REI jobs portal at https://www.rei.jobs.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature case studies on enterprise operating model design, cross-functional process innovation, and governance framework development. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your methodology, the solution, and quantifiable business impact, with a focus on retail operations if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and experience directly relevant to enterprise operations, process design, design thinking, governance, and leadership. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics related to efficiency gains, cost savings, or improved decision-making speed.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your approach to complex operational challenges, your experience with process design methodologies, and your ability to collaborate with senior leadership. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss specific examples of your work.

• Company Research: Deeply research REI's mission, values, cooperative model, and recent business initiatives. Understand their position in the outdoor recreation retail market and how operational excellence supports their strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.