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:  • Technology Implementation & Business Transformation: Lead the scoping, onboarding, and scaled implementation of new inspection technology in coordination with the Director, including requirements gathering, implementation planning, internal and vendor onboarding, systems integration, phased deployment, and post-launch adoption and efficiency tracking. • Product Development Operations: Develop and implement the product development operations center of excellence, including the process optimization roadmap, current- and future-state process maps, role clarity, communication accountability, and change management plans. • Program / Project Management: Oversee multiple cross-functional operational projects from conception through completion, establishing project plans, timelines, accountabilities, and performance measures; analyze results and drive continuous improvement. • Data Analytics & Business Intelligence: Establish data management structures, KPIs, dashboards, and status reporting that support product development decision-making; identify project risks and present mitigation plans to the Senior Director and other stakeholders. • Change Management & Organizational Enablement: Create and lead training and ongoing communication for internal teams and external vendor partners; facilitate cross-functional meetings that resolve conflicts, enable timely decisions, and clarify expectations. 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.  A