Business Operations Manager

About the role

You will own the design and implementation of the core operational metrics and reporting that define how Observable Space measures performance today and tomorrow. This role is responsible for building the planning processes and systems infrastructure that turn complex manufacturing and operations data into clear, actionable insight for leadership. You will act as the primary analyst and builder of the business operations function, creating the frameworks that align manufacturing, sourcing, sales, and finance around a shared view of performance. You will drive continuous improvement by diagnosing bottlenecks, quantifying the impact of changes, and establishing feedback loops that allow the business to adapt quickly. This position requires you to evaluate major capital decisions and translate technical tradeoffs into clear financial and operational models. You will also shape the long-term roadmap for operations systems, ensuring that tools and processes scale with the business. As a hands-on builder, you will move between detailed data work and strategic analysis to support high-stakes decisions across the company. You will serve as a thought partner to the leadership team, providing rigorous analysis that de-risks growth and unlocks clarity.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Build and maintain the company's core operational metrics and reporting, including throughput, yield, cycle time, work-in-process, on-time delivery, labor productivity, inventory health, and cost per unit.
• Develop dashboards and executive reporting that provide real-time visibility into operational performance and enable data-driven decision making at all levels of the organization.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts by identifying bottlenecks, conducting root-cause analyses, and measuring the impact of operational changes over time.
• Construct financial and operational business cases to evaluate major capital investments and equipment purchases, balancing cost, capacity, and risk.
• Perform ad hoc quantitative analyses across the business, covering pricing, cost structures, market assessments, and other strategic initiatives that inform executive strategy.
• Design, build, and maintain forecasting and capacity planning processes that align manufacturing output with demand and resource constraints.
• Create long-range operational plans that balance demand, production capacity, inventory, and workforce requirements under conditions of uncertainty.
• Support the evaluation of site, facility, and manufacturing footprint expansion, analyzing cost, capacity, timeline, and risk tradeoffs for leadership review.
• Shape the long-term operations systems roadmap, including enterprise resource planning, reporting platforms, and planning tools that scale with the business.
• Maximize the value of Global Shop Solutions while identifying opportunities to improve reporting accuracy, forecasting reliability, and operational workflows.
• Develop interim reporting and planning solutions where existing systems fall short, ensuring stakeholders have the information needed to make timely decisions.
• Conduct build-versus-buy analyses and recommend pragmatic, scalable systems and processes that support sustainable long-term growth.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Sourcing and Logistics, Sales, Managed Services, Finance, and Engineering to keep priorities, commitments, and execution aligned across the business.
• Support high-impact cross-functional operational initiatives with structured analysis, clear decision frameworks, and rigorous follow-through.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner to operational leaders, providing analysis and decision support for high-stakes initiatives that affect the entire organization.
• Travel regularly to the Detroit, MI facility to collaborate with teams, observe operations, and align on critical priorities.

Requirements

• Bring 5+ years of experience in business operations, manufacturing, strategy, consulting, or a related analytical role, ideally within a hardware or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrate a track record of partnering with and influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority in complex matrixed organizations.
• Show strong quantitative skills, including the ability to build models, dashboards, and metrics from messy or incomplete data sources.
• Prove you can build measurement systems, planning processes, and operational infrastructure from the ground up in fast-growing companies.
• Exhibit comfort moving between hands-on operational problem solving and strategic, data-driven analysis that shapes executive decisions.
• Maintain strong Excel and Sheets skills, with SQL or other data tooling considered a significant advantage.
• Highlight experience with an ERP or MRP system such as Global Shop Solutions, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrate experience in precision optics, aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated or technical manufacturing environment.
• Show the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, translating complex operational data into recommendations that leadership can act on.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, aligning incentives and driving toward shared business outcomes.
• Understand the importance of compliance, quality, and documentation in regulated manufacturing settings.
• Exhibit ownership and accountability for delivering results in a mission-critical environment where decisions directly impact the business.
• Be prepared to manage sensitive operational and financial information with discretion at all times.

Nice to have

• Experience leveraging Global Shop Solutions to streamline operations, automate reporting, and improve data integrity.
• Familiarity with supply chain and logistics operations in highly regulated industries such as aerospace or defense.
• Background in supporting growth-stage companies that are scaling manufacturing and delivery capabilities.
• Exposure to optical or photonic systems and the unique manufacturing processes involved.

Practical notes

Regular travel to Detroit, MI facility is required as part of this role.