8 years in Strategy & Ops - where to pivot?
Background:
- 8 YOE and TC of 150k (just in the group)
- 6 of those in FAANG/Big Tech, specifically within Ads
- Roles have centred on business partnering, strategic policy/planning, and deal desk management; so a mix of commercial structuring, GTM strategy, and cross-functional influence rather than pure analytics or pure sales
Where I’m stuck:
I want the next move to be a step-change, not just a title, but I can see three fairly different paths and I’m not sure which compounds best from here:
- Stay in S&O; deeper and bigger scope however reach the generalist ceiling earlier.
- Pivot into some sales leadership / Chief of Staff roles; little experience here at the moment but can build
- Change industry to open up potential laddering.
Where I have tension:
S&O roles have given me a lot of commercial experience without ever owning a number I’m accountable for. Staying in S&O protects comp and trajectory but risks plateauing as an advisor rather than operator.
Has anyone made either of these jumps (S&O to industry pivot, or S&O/deal desk → sales leadership) from a similar seniority?
Appreciate any war stories.
Posted Jul 9, 2026, 7:52 PM UTC