Cambridge, MA, USA | Full Time
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Full-Time | On-Site | Reports to CEO
About the Role
We are looking for a seasoned Operations Manager to take full ownership of our operational backbone. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives under pressure, operates with integrity and discipline, and knows how to drive complex, time-sensitive initiatives from start to finish. You will be the operational right hand to the CEO, ensuring that internal systems, logistics, facilities, IT infrastructure, financial processes, and legal readiness all run seamlessly so leadership can stay focused on strategic execution.
This role demands someone who can wear many hats, shift priorities rapidly, and lead from the front. The ideal candidate brings a strong sense of accountability, a bias for action, and a track record of getting things done in demanding, high-stakes environments. We especially value candidates with backgrounds that instill discipline, leadership under pressure, and a mission-first mindset.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Process Management
Own and optimize all day-to-day operational workflows across the organization.
Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable processes and SOPs to support rapid growth.
Manage multiple concurrent priorities with urgency and precision, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Serve as the operational decision-maker when the CEO is focused on external execution and strategy.
Vendor, Supplier & Procurement Management
Manage the full vendor lifecycle: sourcing, onboarding, contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and renewals.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all external suppliers and service providers.
Track purchase orders, delivery timelines, and service-level agreements to ensure accountability.
Negotiate favorable terms and pricing to maximize operational efficiency and cost savings.
Site, Facility & IT Infrastructure Management
Oversee all facility operations, including maintenance, safety compliance, and space planning.
Manage IT setups, upgrades, hardware/software deployments, and coordinate with IT vendors or managed service providers.
Ensure all physical and digital infrastructure supports smooth, uninterrupted business operations.
Lead office moves, buildouts, or expansions as needed.
Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination
Manage end-to-end logistics operations, including inventory tracking, warehousing, and distribution coordination.
Build and maintain structured systems for tracking supplies, materials, and equipment.
Anticipate operational bottlenecks and proactively develop contingency plans.
Financial Operations, Accounting & Audit Support
Assist with bookkeeping, invoice processing, purchase order reconciliation, and expense tracking.
Support audit preparation by organizing financial records, documentation, and compliance materials.
Coordinate with external accountants and auditors to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
Help manage budgets and flag variances or cost overruns to leadership.
Legal & Compliance Support
Assist in preparing, organizing, and maintaining legal documents, contracts, NDAs, and corporate filings.
Support legal review processes and coordinate with outside counsel as needed.
Ensure organizational compliance with applicable regulations, safety standards, and internal policies.
Maintain a centralized, well-organized repository for all legal and compliance documentation.
Cross-Functional Project Coordination
Lead and support internal projects by tracking milestones, timelines, deliverables, and dependencies.
Prepare executive summaries, status reports, and operational dashboards for leadership.
Act as a bridge between departments to ensure alignment and remove roadblocks.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, logistics, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
3-7 years of progressive experience in operations, logistics, facility management, or a generalist operational leadership role.
Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, high-pressure, deadline-driven environments with a track record of delivering results.
Demonstrated experience managing vendors, budgets, and cross-functional projects simultaneously.
Strong organizational discipline with meticulous attention to detail and follow-through.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface with leadership, vendors, and legal or financial professionals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), and familiarity with ERP, procurement, or project management systems.
Preferred
Experience in environments that demand structured execution, operational discipline, and mission-critical accountability (e.g., defense, government, emergency services, logistics-heavy industries, or competitive team-based environments).
Background in roles requiring rapid decision-making under pressure, resource management, and leadership of diverse teams.
Familiarity with accounting principles, audit processes, or legal documentation workflows.
Experience with IT procurement, infrastructure management, or coordinating technology deployments.
Certifications in project management (PMP), operations, or supply chain (CSCP, CPSM) are a plus.
What We Value
Integrity and accountability: You do what you say you will do, every time, without exception.
Mission-first mindset: You prioritize the team's objectives and organizational success above personal comfort.
Bias for action: You do not wait to be told what to do. You see what needs to happen and you make it happen.
Composure under pressure: You stay calm, focused, and decisive when timelines are tight and stakes are high.
Loyalty and dependability: You are a trusted partner who shows up consistently and can be counted on in critical moments.
Adaptability: You thrive in dynamic environments, can pivot quickly, and are comfortable operating outside a narrow job description.
Leadership presence: You take charge of situations naturally and inspire confidence in those around you.
