New

Chief of Staff and Business Operations Lead

NOKIA
US Annual Base Salary Range: $176,232 - $384,904 Canada Base Salary Range: CAD 169,884 - CAD 315,500 * Plus, potential incentive/variable compensation for eligible roles.
United States, California, Sunnyvale
520 Almanor Avenue (Show on map)
Jan 19, 2026
You will work in close partnership with the Chief Corporate Development Officer, with associated seniority and empowerment and speaking on behalf of CDO in key strategic discussion internally and externally. This role focuses on strategy, execution, and cross-functional alignment, while the Chief Corporate Development Officer's Executive Assistant (EA) anchors calendar, communications, and administrative excellence. Together, they form a high-leverage operating system for the CCDO and leadership team. This role is ideal for a highly analytical, proactive leader with significant business and strategic experience, who can move seamlessly between strategic thinking and hands-on execution. It is expected that this is a 2-year role with significant opportunity to step into another key strategic role within Corporate Development or the Company more broadly. Strategic Execution & Leadership Enablement Act as a trusted advisor to the CCDO, helping translate strategic vision into clear priorities, operating plans, and measurable outcomes Drive follow-through on key strategic initiatives, including M&A transactions, strategic evaluations and partnerships, ensuring accountability, progress tracking, and timely escalation of risks Own selected strategic initiatives in place of CCDO Prepare the CCDO for executive forums, Board-level discussions, and external engagements with concise insights, decision briefs, and narratives Business Operations & Rhythm of the Business Own the operating cadence for the Corporate Strategy organization (OKRs, quarterly planning, performance reviews, leadership offsites) Establish and continuously improve processes that enable efficient decision-making and execution across the team Track KPIs, strategic milestones, and portfolio health; synthesize insights for leadership review Drive talent considerations in partnership with HR lead Cross-Functional Coordination Serve as the connective tissue between Corporate Development and key stakeholders (Finance, Legal, Product, Business Groups, HR) Drive alignment across initiatives that span multiple teams, ensuring clarity of ownership, timelines, and success metrics Support integration efforts for new initiatives, partnerships, or acquisitions as needed Support annual and quarterly planning cycles, including headcount planning, budgeting, and strategic goal alignment. Communications & Executive Readouts Develop high-quality executive materials, including strategy decks, leadership updates, and Board-ready content Ensure consistent messaging and narrative across Corporate Development initiatives Partner with the EA to align communications, meeting objectives, and stakeholder engagement Partnership with Corporate Development Leadership Team and EA Work closely with the Leadership Team and EA to ensure the CCDO's time, priorities, and decision-making forums are optimized Specifically with the EA, align on agendas, pre-reads, and follow-ups for critical meetings to maximize outcomes Provide context and strategic input to help the EA anticipate needs and proactively manage workflows Qualifications & Experience 15+ years of experience in corporate strategy, management consulting, business operations, investment, or a related field Strong understanding of corporate development, strategy, and executive-level decision processes Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and synthesis skills Proven ability to influence without authority and operate effectively in complex, matrixed organizations Executive-level written and verbal communication skills High degree of discretion, judgment, and ownership Success in This Role Looks Like CCDO operates with clarity, leverage, and focus on the highest-impact priorities Corporate Development initiatives move from concept to execution with discipline and transparency Leadership discussions are well-prepared, decision-oriented, and outcome-driven The Chief of Staff & Business Operations Lead and Executive Assistant operate as a seamless, trusted partnership Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Learn more about life at Nokia. Our recruitment process We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect. If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity. The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.