Company DescriptionAt 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 DescriptionIn 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. In this role you will be the point of contact for the PLM implementation from inception through launch. The ideal candidate has experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to deploy, enhance, or maintain PLM/QMS systems Applicants should have experience influencing software strategies through their lifecycles.A day on the job looks like this: Execute a comprehensive business-led product implementation strategy aligned with the company's goals and RD&D needs Gather business requirements to support development of short and long-term objectives for software development, support and growth Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle process, from ideation to launch and ongoing enhancements Assist with 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, guidance and mentorship to product teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvementQualificationsGot the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: Bachelor’s degree in in Business or Engineering, or equivalent experience 3 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 InformationAnd 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 bondingExcellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the restOn-site preschool for our employees’ childrenOn-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needsGenerous employee discountCasual dress…and we really mean itAt 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 Equal Employment Opportunity PolicyPeople are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.