Director, Special Projects

The Opportunity

We're looking for a highly driven operator to lead high-impact initiatives that fuel ShopBack's growth. This is a fast-track leadership development role: you'll work directly with C-level executives and the senior leadership bench, use data to shape strategy, and drive execution across the business. Within a year, our goal is to have you ready to step into a leadership position — with the exposure and track record to back it.

What You'll Own

• Own Strategic Initiatives: Lead the end-to-end management of high-impact, cross-functional initiatives aligned to ShopBack's strategic priorities.
• Work with C-Level and Leadership: Work closely with senior leadership to develop, refine, and execute strategies that drive commercial growth and operational excellence.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with a lean project pod (cross-functional team members), setting direction, unblocking work, and driving impact — building the stakeholder management and people leadership muscle needed down the line.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Expect exposure through special projects that sits across Sales, Marketing, Product, and Operations to build a deep understanding of ShopBack's business and strategic challenges.
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Build and run detailed project plans end-to-end — timelines, milestones, resourcing — through to delivery.
• Problem Solving & Process Improvement: Spot gaps in the business, propose solutions, and implement changes that drives exponential impact.
• Leadership Development: Demonstrate the ability to take on a future P&L leadership role, shaping company direction and growth.

Essentials to Succeed

• AI Builder: Hands-on experience building AI tools used by multiple people or teams — not just personal use of tools like ChatGPT or Claude. You don't need to have led an AI initiative, but you should have been a builder on one.
• Experience: 8 to 16 years in commercial, product, or operations roles. Domain background is open — we care more about the type of experience than the label on your last title. Prior entrepreneurial experience is a strong plus.
• Cross-Functional Track Record: Proven experience running projects across different parts of a company — this can be within a single market, as long as it spanned different functions (e.g., you've worked across both Commercial and Ops, or Product and Marketing).
• Data-Driven: Strong data analytics and business analysis skills, with the ability to turn data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• People Leadership: Experience managing a small team (2–3 people). Demonstrated ability to guide, motivate and get the best out of a lean team, with and without formal authority.
• Growth Mindset: Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex, ambiguous challenges into clear, actionable steps to drive growth.
• Communication: Strong cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to express complex ideas succinctly and effectively.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to work with and influence stakeholders across teams and markets.
• Project Management: Proven track record of managing multiple projects and initiatives, meeting deadlines, and delivering results.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Self-starter with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, thrive in ambiguity, and lead with a bias to action.
• Industry Background: Open to candidates from outside e-commerce or fintech, including B2B sectors — what matters most is the experience profile above.