Operations Lead, RD&D (Hybrid) at Lakeshore Learning Materials in Carson, CA, United States
- Company: Lakeshore Learning Materials
- Location: Carson, CA, United States
- Posted: Sep 23, 2026
- Type: Full-time
- Salary: $118,000-$140,000
- Experience: 8+ years
Overview
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 Operations Lead for RD&D, you'll build the operational backbone that helps our product developmen…
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 Operations Lead for RD&D, 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- Experience with Workfront or similar project management platforms.
- Experience with inspection software implementation.
- Experience implementing a variety of software; Workfront experience; Kaizen knowledge.
Skills
Required
- Microsoft Excel (advanced)
- SAP integrations
- Workfront (familiarity)
- Data analysis
- Reporting
- Presentation development
- Organizational change management
- Analytical skills
Preferred
- Inspection software implementation
- Kaizen knowledge
Benefits
- 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
- 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 projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.
About Lakeshore Learning Materials
At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth. 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 representative of the teachers, families and children we serve. We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers