RD&D Process and Operations Lead

🇺🇸Hybrid - Carson, CA$95K–$135K/yriJust now

K-12 Operations Process Improvement Operations Management Project Management Program Management Organizational Development

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Role Snapshot

The RD&D Process and Operations Lead will build and optimize the operational infrastructure for Lakeshore Learning Materials' product development teams, ensuring cross-functional alignment and efficiency to accelerate the delivery of educational products.

Key Responsibilities: Own and drive multiple cross-functional operational projects including process optimization, project planning, and KPI tracking; lead implementation of inspection technology and data structures; design training and communications for internal teams and external vendors.

Skills & Tools: Strong project management and process optimization capabilities; proficiency with data structures, KPIs, and reporting tools; excellent communication and facilitation skills for cross-functional collaboration; change management and vendor coordination expertise.

Qualifications: 5+ years of operations, process improvement, or product development management experience; demonstrated expertise in building operational centers of excellence and implementing technology solutions at scale; bachelor's degree preferred.

Location: Hybrid - Carson, CA

Compensation: $95K–$135K/yr (estimated)

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Job Description

Research, Design & Development moves fast — and keeping complex, cross-functional work organized, efficient, and on track takes someone who knows how to turn operational chaos into clear process. As our RD&D Process and Operations Lead, you'll build the operational backbone that helps our product development teams do their best work: streamlined processes, smart data structures, and the technology and training that keep everyone aligned. It's hands-on, high-impact work that ultimately helps get better educational products into the hands of teachers, kids, and families. This role is hybrid, based in Carson, CA.

A day on the job looks like this:

Own and drive multiple cross-functional operational projects simultaneously — building project plans, tracking accountabilities and timelines, and leading continuous improvement based on results.
Develop and implement the product development operations center of excellence, including the process optimization roadmap, documented process flows, role clarity, communication accountability, and change management plans.
Lead the scoping, onboarding, and scaled implementation of inspection technology across cross-functional teams, partnering closely with the Director to ensure adoption and efficiency gains.
Build and maintain the data structures, KPIs, and reports that give product development stakeholders the visibility they need to make confident decisions and stay ahead of risk.
Design and deliver training and communications for internal teams and external vendor partners; facilitate working sessions that surface and resolve conflict, clarify expectations, and keep work moving.