Strategy Director, Special Projects
Who are we?
Equinix is the world's digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.
A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.
A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You'll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You'll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you-because when you feel valued, you're empowered to do your best work.
Job Summary
The Business Operations Catalyst team is Equinix's internal consulting and sprint execution engine, partnering directly with senior leaders to solve the company's most complex, high-impact enterprise problems. Catalyst engagements typically run 3-6 months, rapidly mobilizing cross-functional teams to drive clarity, decisions, and actionable execution plans before transitioning ownership to the long-term business owner.
A Catalyst Strategy Director, Special Projects is a senior, business-facing leader who leads 1-3 initiatives simultaneously from problem definition through execution. This role partners closely with executive leadership to frame complex decisions, synthesize insights into clear recommendations, and ensure programs deliver measurable business outcomes. You serve as the primary driver, integrator and facilitator, guiding senior leaders through ambiguity, trade-offs, and critical decisions while ensuring work remains enterprise-aligned, actionable, and outcome-driven.
This role requires expert synthesis capabilities, strong executive presence, and the ability to quickly connect dots across strategy and execution - setting the standard for how Catalyst engagements are run.
Responsibilities
Impact Oriented Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Frame and structure complex, ambiguous programs and engagements, rapidly identifying critical issues, priorities, and interdependencies
- Synthesize data, insights, and stakeholder perspectives into clear, actionable decision options
- Guide teams to apply the most appropriate problem-solving techniques. Own, oversee and challenge analytical work (e.g., financial, headcount, operational models) to ensure rigor, root cause clarity, and sound judgment
- Advise senior leaders on risks, implications, and downstream impacts, balancing strategy, execution realities, and enterprise considerations
Adaptable Leadership and Facilitation
- Facilitate high stakes, cross functional, and executive decision making forums, including E-Team discussions
- Set the standard for facilitation and decision framing - ensuring options are enterprise consistent, decisive, and clearly communicated
- Operate effectively in high pressure, emotionally charged environments with a solution oriented, enterprise mindset
- Manage escalations in partnership with executive sponsors, treating setbacks as opportunities for progress
- Coach and mentor more junior Catalyst team members, strengthening problem solving, facilitation, and leadership capability across the team
Synthesis and Strategic Communication
- Clearly understands and communicates the vision and objectives of the engagement, providing clear day-to-day direction to the team and business leads
- Own engagement framing and alignment with initiative leadership and executive sponsors
- Connect disparate inputs and synthesize complexity in real-time, driving clarity, alignment and momentum
- Communicate difficult messages constructively; listen actively and accurately reflect stakeholder perspectives
- Distill complexity into clear insights, structured narratives, and compelling recommendations
Program Ownership & Execution
- Lead multiple complex, multi-work stream Catalyst programs concurrently, maintaining quality, consistency, and pace
- Establish appropriate governance, operating models, escalation paths, and decision forums
- Translate strategic intent into sequenced, prioritized execution plans that convert decisions into sustained action
- Own core program artifacts including charters, RAID logs, integrated project plans, and operating cadences
- Design and implement repeatable frameworks, templates, and governance mechanisms that strengthen the Catalyst operating model
- Partner with Change and Communications teams to embed change strategy and proactively mitigate adoption risks
Trusted Partnership
- Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the E-Team and senior leaders, influencing decisions through judgment, discretion, and insight
- Build rapid command of the business and educate leaders on tradeoffs, implications, and recommendations
- Model and reinforce an enterprise mindset across all engagements
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following attributes:
- 8+ years of relevant experience; with management consulting or internal consulting experience
- Proven success leading complex, cross functional initiatives with senior executives
- Exceptional problem solving, analytical, and synthesis skills
- Quick learner and ability to think on your feet
- Strong executive presence and communication skills
- High emotional intelligence and ability to influence
- Highly skilled in navigating ambiguity
- Ability to pivot between the big picture and the details
- Tenacity, resilience, and a results driven mindset
- Proven experience in program and project management
The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:
Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 166,000 - 248,000 CAD / Annual
Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.
The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.
Equinix Benefits
As an employee, you become important to Equinix's success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we're providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you'll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.
Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.
Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.
Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.
Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.
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This posting is a new position within our organization.