Sr. Strategic Operations Manager, Commercial Operations Interview Process at Uber

The Sr. Strategic Operations Manager, Commercial Operations position at Uber is a pivotal role that combines strategic planning, operational management, and cross-functional collaboration. Below is an overview of the interview process, common questions, and essential tips based on my experience as a candipublishDate.

Overview of the Interview Process

The interview process for this position typically involves 4-5 rounds, which assess both strategic thinking and operational execution skills, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration and data-driven decision making.

1. Recruiter Screening

The first step involves an introductory conversation with a recruiter. They’ll discuss your experience, the role, and the fit for the team. This is also where you get an overview of the position and Uber’s expectations.

Example questions:

• “Why are you interested in the Sr. Strategic Operations Manager role at Uber?”
• “Can you tell me about your experience in commercial operations or program management?”
• “What do you think are the key challenges in scaling operations in a fast-growing company?”

The recruiter will also assess your communication skills, ability to articulate your background, and understanding of the role.

2. Technical/Operations Interview

This round focuses on assessing your problem-solving ability, specifically in the realm of operational management and business strategy. You’ll likely face questions on how you would approach optimizing processes, streamlining workflows, and increasing the effectiveness of Account Management or Sales Operations teams.

Example questions:

• “Describe a time when you had to improve an operational process. What steps did you take and what was the outcome?”
• “How would you improve the Seller-to-Account Manager handover process at Uber?”
• “How would you scale Uber’s Account Management workflows to ensure greater efficiency and productivity?”

Additionally, expect a focus on data analytics and tools like Excel and Salesforce.

Example exercise:
You might be given a case study where you need to improve operational efficiency across several regions or teams. This will require you to break down the problem, prioritize initiatives, and propose actionable solutions based on data.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration Interview

As this role requires heavy collaboration across various functions such as Sales, Finance, Product, and Legal, this round assesses your ability to coordinate across teams and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Example questions:

• “How do you ensure alignment across cross-functional teams when working on large-scale initiatives?”
• “Describe a situation where you had to influence other teams to implement an operational change.”
• “How do you approach balancing competing priorities from different teams?”

This round will also focus on your ability to communicate clearly and manage conflicting priorities. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with Sales Operations, Product, or Legal teams in previous roles.

4. Leadership & Strategy Round

This round typically involves an interview with senior leadership or hiring managers. Here, Uber assesses your leadership abilities, your vision for strategic operations, and your approach to scaling operations at Uber’s scale.

Example questions:

• “What is your approach to managing a large-scale operations team? How do you motivate and lead a team through change?”
• “What metrics or KPIs do you track to measure operational success?”
• “How would you prioritize competing initiatives with limited resources?”

This round will likely include scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate how you balance operational excellence with strategic decision-making.

5. Final Interview (Culture Fit)

The final interview focuses on assessing your fit within Uber’s culture. Uber values people who are entrepreneurial, results-driven, and who thrive in ambiguous environments. Expect questions that explore how you handle fast-paced situations and difficult decisions.

Example questions:

• “How do you handle ambiguity when faced with a new challenge?”
• “How do you make decisions when you don’t have all the data you need?”
• “Tell me about a time when you had to adapt your strategy based on unforeseen challenges.”

Key Skills and Competencies

To succeed in the Sr. Strategic Operations Manager role, focus on these core competencies:

1. Strategic Thinking

• Ability to develop and execute scalable strategies for operations.
• Proficiency in business operations, especially in managing Account Management teams and Sales GTM processes.
• Experience creating operational frameworks that can be scaled across regions and teams.

2. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Proven ability to work closely with Product, Sales, Finance, and other business functions.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder management and conflict resolution.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making

• High proficiency in using data to inform decision-making, particularly using tools like Excel, Salesforce, and SQL.
• Ability to define and track KPIs that align with operational and strategic goals.

4. Project Management

• Ability to manage complex projects and ensure successful execution under tight deadlines.
• Strong prioritization skills to balance competing tasks and initiatives.

5. Leadership

• Experience in leading teams, particularly in scaling operations and driving team performance.
• Ability to inspire and mentor team members, fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

Example Case Study or Task

In a typical case study exercise, you may be given a scenario such as:

“Uber is expanding its Account Management operations in a new region. You are tasked with designing a plan to scale operations efficiently, ensuring Account Managers can focus on high-priority clients while maintaining service levels. What steps would you take?”

In this case, you’ll need to break down the problem, outline the process improvements, and introduce toolkits or frameworks that would help Account Managers manage their Book of Business efficiently. Emphasize automation, data tracking, and scalable systems.

Tips for Success

• Prepare to discuss past projects where you’ve scaled operations or driven significant business improvements.
• Show your ability to handle ambiguity and make data-driven decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrate your leadership by discussing how you’ve led cross-functional initiatives or mentored teams to success.
• Be prepared to discuss operational efficiency improvements, including how you’ve used tools and frameworks to enhance team productivity.