What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLM Operations Manager position at specialized?
PLM Operations Manager The PLM Operations Manager is responsible for driving the operational excellence, stability, and scalability of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform. This role ensures PLM processes, data, and system capabilities are aligned with business priorities—enabling product teams, supply chain, and manufacturing to operate efficiently and make decisions with confidence across the product lifecycle. Value to the Department This role strengthens PLM execution by establishing clear operating discipline, governance, and transparency across the organization through: Driving execution consistency and reliability by standardizing PLM operating rhythms, intake, and delivery practices to reduce friction, rework, and cycle time. Enforcing data and process governance to ensure PLM data quality, standards adherence, and controlled change—enabling downstream teams (sourcing, planning, manufacturing) to operate with confidence. Providing a clear execution bridge between business stakeholders, product teams, and IT by translating needs into well-governed, actionable PLM capabilities and workflows. Improving communication and accountability through standardized reporting, dashboards, and forums that make progress, risks, and decisions visible and measurable. Key Responsibilities Own PLM execution cadence including sprint planning, reviews, retrospectives, and quarterly planning support. Manage PLM intake processes and ensure consistent backlog hygiene using Jira and related delivery tools. Coordinate execution and dependencies across multiple PLM platforms, TPMs, teams, and workstreams. Track vendor execution against SOWs, milestones, SLAs, and deliverables; surface risks early. Maintain visibility into PLM operational budgets, forecasts, and actuals. Own PLM operational communications, newsletter, dashboards, and Confluence documentation as the system of record. AI, Data, and Automation Focus Apply AI-assisted tools to improve intake triage, backlog quality, and execution visibility. Leverage delivery data from Jira, vendors, and financial systems to identify risks and bottlenecks. Use generative AI to support status reporting, documentation summarization, and operational insights. Partner with PLM Data and Platform teams to ensure operational data is AI-ready and well-governed. Continuously evaluate tools and methods that reduce manual operational overhead. Skills and Experience 7–12 years of experience in technology operations, delivery management, or program operations. Strong hands-on experience with Jira, Confluence, and Agile or Kanban delivery models. Experience coordinating multiple concurrent initiatives across internal teams and external vendors. Working knowledge of PLM, CAD, PDM, or engineering systems and related business processes. Demonstrated experience using data, metrics, and dashboards to drive execution improvements. Familiarity with AI-assisted tools, automation platforms, or analytics for operational workflows. Education and Background Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Operations Management, Business, or a related field. Master’s degree (MBA or MS) preferred but not required. Agile, SAFe, PMP, or equivalent delivery, operations, or program management certifications are a plus. Success Measures Predictable and transparent PLM execution cadence across teams and vendors. High-quality intake and backlog hygiene with reduced execution friction. Clear operational visibility through dashboards and AI-assisted insights. PAY Below is a summary of compensation elements for this role at the company if based in the following locations: California Base Pay Range: ($105,000 - $145,000 ) BENEFITS As a full-time, regular teammate, you are eligible for the following benefits, beginning the first of the month following your start date. Benefits include: Competitive pay with annual performance-based reviews for continued growth and recognition Comprehensive healthcare plan options, including PPO, EPO, HDHP, and HMO (acupuncture and physical therapy included) Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer HSA contributions when enrolled in the High-Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP) Dental and Vision plans 401(k) Company Matching up to $5,000 annually with immediate 100% vesting and administrative fees paid for by the company Company-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program that provides access to individualized mental well-being care Generous Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays, and Volunteer Time Off 14 weeks of 100% paid leave for birthing parents and 8 weeks of 100% paid leave for non-birthing parents, plus a Specialized bike for your new baby Up to $9,000 annually in Career Development & Degree Assistance Up to $250 annually in Fitness & Wellness Reimbursement Industry Pro-Deal Discounts and Perks For additional information on benefits and perks, please visit: https://benefits.specialized.com. We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone – especially those from marginalized groups – to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider’s brand of choice. We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward. Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized! See what we are up to on LinkedIn, Instagram. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. 1974 We are riders—that fact has guided our every decision since 1974. When quality tires weren't around, we strove to make the best. When people wanted to ride cruisers in the dirt, we made the first production mountain bike. When roadies wanted to go faster, we doubled-down on carbon and built our own wind tunnel. And when we saw kids struggling to focus in school, we began supporting Outride to help promote better health through cycling. Specialized. Made for riders, by riders.