Chief Strategy Officer – CSO Job Description
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Company overview
We are a globally headquartered company with roots in [Europe / Asia / EMEA / LatAm], and a growing U.S. presence. As we expand and adapt to the fast-evolving North American market, we are seeking a strategic, visionary Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to lead corporate development, long-term planning, and organizational transformation. This executive will play a central role in shaping the company’s U.S. growth strategy while ensuring alignment with global priorities.
CSO role summary
The Chief Strategy Officer will be responsible for defining and steering the company’s U.S. strategic roadmap, working closely with executive leadership across all departments. The CSO will analyze market dynamics, identify new opportunities, and guide M&A, partnership, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in strategy formulation and execution, with a strong understanding of both U.S. market drivers and international business structures.
CSO key responsibilities
Corporate Strategy Development
Lead the creation and refinement of the U.S. business strategy in alignment with global objectives. Identify growth opportunities, assess market risks, and establish long-term goals.
M&A & Strategic Partnerships
Drive inorganic growth through acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Lead due diligence and post-merger integration efforts in collaboration with finance and legal teams.
Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis
Monitor industry trends, customer behavior, and competitor positioning to inform business decisions and maintain market relevance.
Cross-Functional Planning
Facilitate annual strategic planning cycles across departments (sales, operations, finance, product). Align organizational initiatives and resources with strategic goals.
Executive Advisory
Act as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, Board, and senior leadership team. Present insights, scenarios, and decision models to guide executive decisions.
Operational Transformation
Champion initiatives that optimize efficiency, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. Support change management and business model evolution.
Global Alignment
Ensure U.S. strategy is integrated with the broader corporate vision and operations. Act as a key liaison between U.S. leadership and global HQ.
Candidate profile
Experience
10+ years in strategy roles within consulting firms or in-house corporate strategy teams. Prior experience in high-growth or multinational companies required.
Track Record
Demonstrated success in leading business planning, growth initiatives, or transformation programs at the executive level.
Analytical Strength
Strong financial acumen, data analysis skills, and business modeling experience.
Strategic Communication
Able to synthesize complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives for internal and external stakeholders.
Leadership Style
Forward-thinking, collaborative, persuasive. Capable of influencing diverse teams and managing up to executive leadership.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, or a related field required. MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
Company culture and leadership style
Our U.S. business operates with a startup mentality backed by global infrastructure. We are agile, collaborative, and impact-driven. The CSO must thrive in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment where strategic thinking meets real-world execution. You will be empowered to drive high-level decisions and lead transformational change as a key voice at the leadership table.
Compensation and benefits
| Base Salary Range | $275,000 – $325,000 |
| Performance Bonus | Up to 40% of base salary |
| Equity | Stock options or long-term incentive plan negotiable |
| Benefits | Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with match, PTO, and optional relocation support |
| Location | [New York / Hybrid / Remote with periodic U.S. and international travel as required] |
Why the Chief Strategy Officer matters
This role is for a strategic mind who thrives on complexity and clarity. You’ll help navigate U.S. expansion with precision while ensuring our long-term vision is always front and center.
FAQ
A Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is an executive responsible for defining and executing the organization’s strategic vision. This includes long-range planning, M&A, partnerships, market analysis, and alignment of business operations with strategic goals.
CSO responsibilities include corporate strategy development, monitoring market and industry trends, leading mergers and integrations, guiding organizational transformation, and serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO and board.
A CSO focuses on long-term strategy, innovation, and growth—while the CFO drives financial stewardship and the COO manages day-to-day operations. Though roles overlap, the CSO is primarily forward-looking, guiding where the organization should go next.
Top CSOs demonstrate strategic vision, strong analytical and financial modeling skills, project leadership experience, merger and acquisition acumen, excellent communication, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.