RD&D Operations Specialist (Hybrid)

Our Research, Design & Development team creates products that spark curiosity, build skills, and make a meaningful difference in classrooms and homes. As an RD&D Operations Specialist, you'll help keep that work running smoothly—tracking processes, supporting cross-functional projects, and helping our teams adopt new tools and ways of working. This is a great fit if you're detail-oriented, eager to grow your operations and project management skills, and motivated by work that ultimately supports educators and kids.  A day on the job looks like this:  • Support operational projects by tracking progress, maintaining dashboards and reports, and documenting process steps to promote consistency and efficiency across the team.  • Help coordinate and deliver training on new processes, technologies, and expectations, ensuring team members have the guidance they need to get up to speed.  • Apply strong Excel and reporting skills to analyze operational data and surface insights that help the team identify areas for improvement.  • Assist cross-functional teams through change management initiatives based on project needs, aligning stakeholders, facilitating discussions, resolving project challenges, and keeping projects on track to meet established timelines. • Provide regular status updates to the Operations Manager, including project milestones, performance insights, and proactive tactics to address project risks and mitigation plans. Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:  Required:  • 3+ years of experience in an operations, project coordination, or related role  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong Excel skills for data tracking and reporting  • Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain processes and updates to a range of audiences  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while staying organized and detail-oriented  • This is a hybrid role based out of our Carson, CA office  Preferred:  • Experience with Workfront or a similar project management platform  • Exposure to product development or a cross-functional creative or RD&D environment • Familiarity with process documentation or standard operating procedure (SOP) creation  What sets you apart:  • You ask questions when something is unclear rather than guessing, and you use feedback to sharpen your work.  • You follow through consistently—when you say something will be done, it gets done.  • You stay calm and adaptable when priorities shift or a project hits a snag.  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 an hourly rate between $22.36-$31.25 depending on relevant experience & skillset. This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset. • Bonus eligible • Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding • Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA • 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday) • Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest • On-site preschool for our employees’ children • On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs • Generous employee discount • Casual dress…and we really mean it At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representativ