A Target Operating Model (TOM) defines how an organization operates strategically. It describes the capabilities needed to achieve strategy, the organizational structure to deliver those capabilities, the processes and technology that enable work, and the governance that makes decisions. TOM design bridges strategy (what we want to achieve) and execution (how we organize and work daily).
McKinsey's 2024-2025 research on operating model redesign shows that 79% of redesign initiatives are now completing successfully, up from 51% in 2014, indicating maturation of operating model practices. Successful TOMs share these characteristics: clear alignment between leaders and decision-makers, deep rewiring of core processes, significant investment in capability development, and sustained focus on culture and performance.
35-slide PowerPoint
$49.00
$49.00 | 35-slides | Best for: Executives and integration leads designing and presenting a Target Operating Model during strategic transformation
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck stands out for its end-to-end Target Operating Model design framework, guiding readers from the rationale to actionable steps rather than presenting a stand-alone model. A concrete detail is the inclusion of capability maps and functional layers, along with explicit views on transformation scope and a worked example TOM to ground discussions. It is particularly useful for senior sponsors and program leads steering strategic transformations who need a repeatable blueprint to align operating models with strategic objectives. [Learn more]
30-slide PowerPoint
$29.00
$29.00 | 30-slides | Best for: Executives and transformation leads planning cross-functional operating model redesigns with Lean and CoE focus
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck stands out by offering an end-to-end operating model redesign anchored in Lean thinking and a formal emphasis on Functional Centers of Excellence, linking value-stream design to cross-functional execution. It includes slide templates you can reuse in your own presentations. The framework is especially helpful for executives and transformation leads orchestrating cross-functional redesigns that blend Lean methods with CoE governance. [Learn more]
48-slide PowerPoint
$49.00
$49.00 | 48-slides | Best for: Operations and transformation leaders designing a TOM using Business Model and Operating Model canvases
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck differentiates itself by embedding both the Business Model Canvas and the Operating Model Canvas into a Target Operating Model framework, providing a concrete, end-to-end path from objectives to implementation within a 48-page PowerPoint deck. A concrete detail buyers wouldn’t guess from the title is that it covers organization models such as functional, divisional, matrix, and network, and maps an explicit implementation strategy with real-world use cases. This resource is most beneficial for operations and transformation teams aiming to align strategic intent with the practical design and rollout of a TOM. [Learn more]
30-slide PowerPoint
$29.00
$29.00 | 30-slides | Best for: Executives and transformation leads redesigning operating models to align strategy, governance, and capabilities
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck differentiates itself by pairing 6 core design principles with diagnostic questions and practical implementation guidance, turning strategy-to-execution alignment into an actionable design exercise. It includes tangible deliverables like slide templates and governance-oriented tooling, a detail buyers wouldn't guess from the title alone. The resource is particularly useful for executives, transformation leads, and strategy teams during operating-model redesigns, strategic planning sessions, or governance and decision-rights work. [Learn more]
26-slide PowerPoint
$29.00
$29.00 | 26-slides | Best for: Executives and transformation leads designing next‑gen operating models with autonomous teams and modular platforms
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck stands out by tying Lean Management principles to a Next-gen Operating Model built around 4 pillars—Autonomous cross-functional teams, Flexible modular platforms, Connected management systems, and an Agile, customer-centric culture—offering a practical blueprint for digital transformation. It also includes slide templates for immediate use in client presentations, a detail that helps teams translate concepts into tangible deliverables. The resource is most valuable to executives and transformation leads who are shaping next-generation operating models and need a clear, actionable path to align strategy, operations, and culture. [Learn more]
32-slide PowerPoint
$29.00
$29.00 | 32-slides | Best for: M&A integration leads and corporate development teams defining a post‑deal "To Be" operating model
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck pairs a four-phase integration process with a practical case study, providing a structured, actionable approach to building the Target Operating Model after a deal. It defines 6 core TOM elements—Vision with CSFs, Organizational Structure, Process Organization and Core Processes, Systems and Technology, Property Rights and Contracts, and Assets—and includes customizable slide templates plus guidance on stakeholder mapping and communication plans. The case study demonstrates a To Be TOM across functions such as Logistics, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, and Controlling, offering concrete lessons on pitfalls and implementation considerations for teams responsible for post-close integration. [Learn more]
32-slide PowerPoint
$29.00
$29.00 | 32-slides | Best for: Strategy and customer-experience leaders redesigning operating models to shift from product to customer-centric delivery
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck integrates the McKinsey Decision Journey with a six-building-block blueprint for a customer-centric operating model, making the shift more actionable than typical strategy slides. It includes templates for your own business presentations and highlights the Decision Journey as a structured way to map touchpoints across the customer path. It is particularly valuable for strategy and customer-experience teams redesigning operating models around customer value and segmentation to align streams and deliver differentiated value. [Learn more]
29-slide PowerPoint
$29.00
$29.00 | 29-slides | Best for: Executives and IT leads designing a component-centric GenAI operating model for enterprise-scale deployment
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck distinguishes itself by presenting a component-centric GenAI Operating Model organized around 6 core elements, with an embedded governance and data-management framework that guides implementation. It also includes slide templates and a governance-risk checklist, and is described as crafted by former McKinsey and Big 4 consultants. It’s especially valuable for executives, integration leads, and IT teams planning a scalable GenAI deployment who need a practical blueprint to align data, governance, and development approaches. [Learn more]
24-slide PowerPoint
$29.00
$29.00 | 24-slides | Best for: Transformation leads and executives translating strategy into aligned operating models and decentralized IT governance
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck stands out by presenting a practical three-phase "Fit Transformation" framework that ties strategic intent to a lean operating model. The 3 phases—Translate the Corporate Strategy, Align the Operating Model, and Manage the Transformation—offer a concrete execution path that goes beyond generic reform talk. It’s particularly relevant for transformation leads and executives steering enterprise-wide change who need actionable templates and governance considerations to sustain the program. [Learn more]
Excel template, PDF
$89.00
$89.00 | Excel workbook + supplemental tools | Best for: Business and technology leaders implementing Kanban for advanced analytics transformation, risk management, and data governance
EDITOR'S REVIEW
This deck stands out by pairing a Target Operating Model Kanban approach with a practical, cross-functional governance lens for advanced analytics and data governance initiatives. A concrete detail from the description is that it’s delivered as an Excel file containing 1,000+ records that can be imported into Airtable, Monday, Smartsheet, or Power BI. It’s most useful for senior business and technology leaders guiding analytics transformations and risk-management programs who need to organize work across teams and track KPI-driven progress without disrupting live delivery. [Learn more]
The Five Core TOM Components
A comprehensive TOM addresses 5 core elements. Process describes how work flows, where decisions are made, and how information moves. Organization defines reporting structure, role clarity, and span of control. Technology specifies systems, platforms, and integration needed to support processes. Data and analytics define information assets, governance, and decision rights. Governance determines how decisions are made, who has authority, and how conflicts are resolved.
These elements must align. A process redesigned for speed requires supporting technology with minimal latency. Organization structure must match process ownership. Decision rights must be clear so authority aligns with responsibility. Technology governance must balance standardization with local agility. Misalignment between elements causes handoff delays, confusion, and suboptimal decisions. TOM design templates and component assessment frameworks available on Flevy help leaders diagnose misalignments, clarify decision authorities, and visualize how changes in one element cascade through others.
Strategic Alignment and Capability Design
TOM design starts with strategy. What customer value does the organization aim to deliver? What operational capabilities are required? A premium brand emphasizing customization needs different capabilities than a cost leader optimized for efficiency. Capability gaps are identified. Are we missing skills? Do we lack technology? Do processes constrain speed? TOM design addresses these gaps through organizational, process, and technology changes.
Capability mapping clarifies which function owns each capability and how functions collaborate. This prevents gaps where no one is accountable and reduces duplication. Accountability is clear. If customer experience requires faster decision-making, governance may shift decision authority closer to the customer. If scale requires standardization, process and technology investments enable consistent execution across multiple locations. Capability mapping worksheets and strategic alignment playbooks help leadership teams identify capability gaps, define future state clearly, and plan sequencing of organizational changes that support strategy execution.
Change Management and Culture Alignment
Implementing a new TOM disrupts established habits and power structures. People who had authority lose it. Processes they mastered change. Career paths shift. Change management focuses on building understanding of why change is needed, preparing people with training and support, and celebrating progress. Leaders model the desired behavior, reinforce new processes, and address resistance directly.
Culture alignment is essential. Autonomy-driven cultures resist centralized approval processes. Cost-conscious cultures may resist investment-heavy digital transformation. Successful TOM implementations acknowledge cultural context and design approaches that respect organizational values while achieving strategic objectives. Flevy's Target Operating Model frameworks help leadership teams visualize the future state, plan transition activities, and manage the cultural change required to make new ways of working stick. Change management roadmaps and communication templates guide leaders through stakeholder engagement, resistance navigation, and reinforcement cadences that ensure TOM adoption.
PowerPoint (25)
Excel (6)
MS Word (1)
