RD&D Process and Operations Lead

🇺🇸Hybrid - Carson, CA$95K–$135K/yri1h ago

K-12 Operations Operations Management Process Improvement Project Management Program Management Product Operations

Role Snapshot

Lead operational processes, projects, and tooling for Lakeshore Learning Materials' Research, Design & Development team, building the process backbone that helps product teams deliver better educational products for teachers, kids, and families.

Key Responsibilities: Drive cross-functional operational projects, build the product development operations center of excellence (process flows, roadmaps, change management), lead inspection technology rollout, maintain KPIs and reporting, and deliver training and facilitate working sessions for internal teams and vendors.

Skills & Tools: Strong project management, process design and continuous improvement, data structure and KPI development, technology implementation, change management, and the ability to facilitate conflict resolution and clear communication across teams.

Qualifications: Experience in operations, process improvement, or project management within product development or similar complex cross-functional environments; specific education and years of experience requirements were not detailed in the posting.

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.