Senior Operations Specialist – PLM/QMS (Hybrid)

Company Description

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, 60+ retail 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.

Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Senior Operations Specialist – PLM/QMS to join our team. In this role, you will implement and manage our new enterprise initiative: Lakeshore’s Product Lifecycle Management software. The position involves employing strategic leadership, driving innovation and overseeing the entire lifecycle of our software product, from conceptualization to deployment and beyond. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in deploying PLM/QMS strategies, fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring market-leading solutions. Applicants should have demonstrated success in steering software product strategies through their lifecycles.

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business-led product implementation strategy aligned with the company's goals and RD&D needs 
• Define short and long-term objectives for software development, support and growth 
• Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle process, from ideation to launch and ongoing enhancements 
• Oversee product roadmaps, feature prioritization and release planning, building the implementation roadmap with a phased approach 
• Act as a primary liaison between the business stakeholders and the technology organization 
• Translate business needs and requirements into technical specifications and vice versa, ensuring alignment and effective communication between both teams 
• Recognize challenges and escalate in a timely manner to resolve issues 
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Development, Design, Merchandising, Sourcing and other relevant departments to ensure seamless coordination and execution across all phases of product development 
• Manage the PLM systems for document control and provide training to ensure that it is appropriately maintained, supported and effectively used by all team members 
• Conduct research and gather feedback to identify new opportunities and potential areas for product innovation and improvement 
• Communicate product strategies, progress and challenges effectively to stakeholders, including executives, team members, clients and partners 
• Monitor product performance metrics, evaluate financial implications and drive initiatives to optimize productivity and profitability 
• Provide leadership, guidance and mentorship to product teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement 

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Bachelor’s degree in in Business or Engineering, or equivalent experience 
• 5+ years of experience working in PLM/QMS systems required 
• Experience in MS Excel required, with an emphasis on the ability to migrate data, build reports and present them 
• Must be proficient with Word, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat 
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong follow-up skills to manage large volumes of documentation 
• In-depth understanding of engineering-related principles, practices and procedures 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, along with sharp time-management skills 
• Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision 
• Flexible in handling directional changes and proficient at running multiple projects at once 
• Performs well in a fast-paced environment 
• Experience using Adobe Workfront a plus 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $95,000-$110,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• 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