RD&D Process and Operations Lead (Hybrid)

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.  Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:  Required:  • This is a hybrid position based in Carson, CA. Candidates must be able to work onsite as required.  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.  • 5-8+ years of experience in operations and/or program management within product development organizations that specialize in the consumer product industry.  • Experience supporting new product launches and product development initiatives.  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and presentation development.  • Experience with SAP integrations and implementing other technologies.  • Familiarity with Workfront.  • Proven ability to support and navigate organizational change.  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret systems and data to drive insights and informed decision-making.   Preferred:  • Experience with Workfront or similar project management platforms.  • Experience with inspection software implementation.  • Experience implementing a variety of software; Workfront experience; Kaizen knowledge.   What sets you apart:  • You make complexity legible — you can walk into a tangled cross-functional process and quickly see where the friction is, then build something that fixes it.  • You influence without authority. You earn trust across levels and functions by being well-prepared, clear, and consistent.  • You're a candid, constructive voice in the room. You push back when something doesn't add up, and you do it in a way that moves things forward rather than sideways.  • You treat a half-built process the same way you treat a finished one: there's always a next improvement, and you're already thinking about it.  And here’s our end of the bargain! At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties. For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at a salary rate between $118,000-$140,000 depending on relevant experience & skillset. This range is indicative of projecte