Strategy Business Operations Jobs in Illinois
Strategy Business Operations jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in corporate headquarters, management consulting, financial services, and healthcare administration, with openings at every level from analyst to senior director. Chicago is the dominant hiring hub, with Naperville and Schaumburg serving as active suburban centers, and well-established employers such as United Airlines, Abbvie, and Aon consistently maintaining strategy and business operations teams across the state. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include enterprise performance management, cross-functional process improvement, and M&A integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Chicago, IL, US, 60654
RWE Group
Start Date: September 2027
Remuneration: starting at $81,000
Application deadline: Monday, September 28, 2026
Looking for a graduate program that combines strategy, transformation and international exposure? Join RWE Supply & Trading and play a role in shaping the future of energy while building a global career from day one.
Over two years, you will complete four six-month rotations to gain comprehensive exposure to a wide range of business functions. The program begins with a rotation in the United States (Chicago). You will also have the option to complete a rotation in Singapore, Germany, the UK or any other RWE location. Upon completing the graduate program, you will be encouraged to pursue further career opportunities within the business support areas at any of our U.S. sites.
About the role
From day one, you’ll help us continue our expansion into new markets and locations. You'll gain exposure to one of the world's most dynamic energy organisations, supporting the commercial, strategic and operational activities that enable the energy transition. Your daily tasks and involvement in key projects will span various areas, including:
Project Management
Strategy
Business Transformation
Risk Management
New Business Partnerships
Commercial Operations Back Office
Whichever team you join, you’ll be welcomed as an equal. Your perspective will be valued, and you’ll be trusted to deliver meaningful work. With each new rotation, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to become an industry expert.
Digital technologies, including AI-enabled tools, are becoming an integral part of how we work at RWE. Throughout the programme, you will have opportunities to use these tools responsibly to enhance productivity, support decision-making, foster innovation and improve ways of working, always in line with RWE policies and responsible use principles.
Job requirements and experiences
In addition to a strong interest in the energy industry and a readiness to explore our markets and business, you’ll need:
A strong degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD) in Management, Business Administration, Business Psychology, or a similar field
Excellent communication skills
Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, automation technologies or AI-enabled productivity tools would be advantageous
A collaborative mindset with a curious approach, constantly challenging yourself to find new solutions
Motivation to take on new challenges, whether independently or as part of a team
Strong analytical skills and the ability to learn quickly
Enthusiasm and drive to build your skillset and pursue development opportunities within a supportive team
Flexibility and mobility to travel to multiple locations
From here, you’ll have a community of support.
While you’re on our graduate journey, we’re committed to providing you with a range of opportunities to grow and develop your skills. Alongside job rotations and technical training, you’ll be provided with comprehensive behavioural skills training with our expert partner, Cappfinity. This will enable you to harness your strengths from day one and identify new ways to utilise the key Skills That Build Skills. This will support you to reach your potential and goals, shaping your career path. The behavioural skills training is immersive, including interactive sessions where you can learn from our facilitators and your own peers, and self-led elements to support your application of learning back in your day-to-day role.
Our graduate programs have been designed to give you the chance to shape your own career path and personal development, with the support you need to succeed. You’ll have access to a graduate buddy and a senior mentor within your field who can advise you on rotations and introduce you to key people within the business.
Your benefits
We aim to promote a workplace that allows people to perform at their best. So, as well as ensuring you’re rewarded for your efforts, we also have a variety of initiatives in place to create a healthy workspace and support your well-being:
Competitive salary starting at $81,000 with annual discretionary bonus
20 days of paid time off (PTO), plus public holidays, to support work-life balance
Comprehensive health benefits, providing extensive health coverage
Financial support and structured programs for international assignments to enhance global exposure
International rotation opportunities in the UK, Germany, Singapore, and other locations, enhancing professional and cultural growth
Modern office and trading floor located in prime areas, equipped with the latest technology
Open and diverse company culture, with active clubs and societies that promote collaboration and engagement
Apply before September 28, 2026 with just a few clicks: ad code 93476.
Please upload your resume and cover letter in English as one document. Should you progress through the interview process, you will be asked to share a copy of your transcript.
Please also note that the application deadline may be changed at short notice and we will no longer accept applications early on!
Find out more on rwe.com/graduates
Any further questions? Reach out to our Early Careers Recruitment Team (rwest_early_careers_recruitment@rwe.com).
We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, age, sexual orientation, and identity. #inclusionmatters
RWE Supply & Trading is our connection to the world’s energy markets. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, the company operates one of Europe’s largest and most advanced energy trading floors. A diverse team of over 2,300 professionals from around 90 countries trades electricity, gas, commodities, and CO2 emission allowances. With precise market analysis and a strong customer focus, we create innovative energy supply solutions and tailored risk management concepts for industrial clients.
We also ensure the commercial optimisation of RWE’s power plant portfolio and market the electricity generated by RWE. In addition, legally independent RWE gas storage companies operate in Germany, contributing to a secure energy supply.
See All 27 Strategy Business Operations Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsStrategy Business Operations Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Strategy Business Operations Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in strategy business operations jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, strategy, finance, or a related field
- Proven experience supporting strategic planning, OKR setting, or annual operating cycles
- Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and tools such as Excel or Tableau
- Track experience leading cross-functional initiatives across large Illinois-based organizations
- Strong stakeholder communication skills, including executive-level presentation experience
- Familiarity with ERP platforms such as SAP or Oracle commonly used by Illinois enterprises
Strategy Business Operations Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a strategy business operations professional in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers expect a bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field, with an MBA valued for senior roles. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for strategy business operations work, so hiring is driven by education and experience. Starting in analyst or coordinator roles at Chicago-area corporations, consulting firms, or large institutions, then building cross-functional project experience, is the most reliable path into the field.
How much do strategy business operationses make in Illinois?
Strategy business operationses in Illinois earn a median of about $82,070 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,360 for the lowest 10% to over $137,100 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire strategy business operations professionals in Illinois?
Employers hiring strategy business operations professionals in Illinois right now include United Airlines, RWE, and Mars, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters and major healthcare and financial services firms means consistent demand across industries throughout the Chicago metro and surrounding suburbs.
Which Illinois cities have the most strategy business operations jobs?
Chicago, Illinois, and Bannockburn account for the greatest number of strategy business operations openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because it hosts the largest concentration of corporate headquarters, consulting firms, and financial institutions in the Midwest, while Naperville and Schaumburg draw openings from major suburban campuses and regional operations centers for national companies.
Are there remote strategy business operations jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields, since strategy business operations work is fundamentally analytical, meeting-driven, and document-based rather than tied to a physical site. About 89% of strategy business operations openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how well the role adapts to distributed work. Planning cycles, performance reporting, and project coordination are the functions most commonly handled fully remotely.
How can I get hired as a strategy business operations professional in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to rotational business analyst or associate programs at large Illinois employers such as major Chicago-area healthcare systems, financial services firms, or corporate headquarters that run structured early-career cohorts. Roles such as operations coordinator, project administrator, or business analyst associate serve as common lateral entry points. Building proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and basic financial modeling, and completing a project management certificate, gives candidates a clear edge in Illinois hiring processes.
Where can I find and apply to strategy business operations jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to strategy business operations jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly without creating a profile or signing up.
See All 27 Strategy Business Operations Jobs in Illinois
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