Operations Project Manager

VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE AND BAND

For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, and competitions, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. Since our inception 50 years ago, we have been – and remain – steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for our participants’ physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct. Varsity has a zero tolerance for abuse in its programs, events, and associated business activities. Varsity is committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in full accordance with local laws and reporting requirements. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com.

LOCATION TYPE: On Site I 2525 Midpoint Dr, Edwardsville, KS 66111

WORK HOURS: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

The Operations Coordinator at Varsity Yearbook is key to the leadership team, reporting to the Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain. This position has extensive influence and authority to support cross-functional projects, bridging the gaps between Yearbook business units and adding crucial project management support.

Key duties in this role encompass managing annual operating plans, overseeing complex capital investments, enhancing cross-functional processes, and improving manufacturing footprints. This demands excellent team leadership and the capability to develop and execute detailed project plans.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Supervise cross-functional teams that often include members from beyond Yearbook Operations.
• Work closely with production supervisors and managers to align with their shared goals and objectives.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Understand the financial structure of Yearbook Operations and its connections to and dependencies on outside business units
• Ability to work independently and carefully manage a wide variety of priorities that oftentimes overlap
• Work with management to set continuous improvement goals and direction. Facilitate the continuous improvement process by identifying training needs and offering problem-solving methodology training (Root Cause Analysis, Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, etc.).
• Act as a change agent by continuously challenging existing processes.
• Create and deliver organized project management presentations.
• Give thorough updates to the management team, offering solutions to overcome challenges.
• Conduct regular audits of work instructions and procedures, and report discrepancies and necessary updates to leadership.
• Must be proficient in internal systems such as YBS, Wrike, ESKO, eDesign, and DPS.
• Should have knowledge of essential trade applications, including prepress file creation, offset platemaking and printing, digital printing, cover case-making and decoration, and bookbinding methods such as saddle stitch, perfect binding, and Smyth sewn formats.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• 3 to 5 years in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience in highly seasonal industries.
• Proven track record of leading teams and meeting business goals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent project management proficiency.
• Ability to influence across departments and leadership levels.
• Practical approach to troubleshooting and resolving system issues.
• Experience in offset and digital printing is advantageous.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year College or University; or a combination of education and directly related experience equivalent to a B.A.

Language/Skills

• Skill in developing, revising, and presenting detailed business project plans.
• Ability to understand business publications, p