Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Apptronik is building robots for the real world to improve human quality of life and to help solve the ever-increasing labor shortage problem. Our team has been building some of the most advanced robots on the planet for years, dating back to the DARPA Robotics Challenge. We apply our expertise across the full robotics stack to some of the most important and impactful problems our society faces, and expect our products and technology to change the world for the better. We value passion, creativity, and collaboration to help us overcome existing technological barriers in the industry to create truly innovative products.

You will join a team developing state-of-the-art general-purpose robots designed to operate in human spaces and with human tools. It is designed to work alongside humans, mobilize to human spaces, and manipulate the world around it.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to lead our data collection operations. In this critical role, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our first and second shifts, ensuring optimal productivity and efficiency across a multi-shift data collection operation. You will manage and mentor the Shift Supervisors and Office Coordinators, empowering them to meet and exceed key performance metrics.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of managing large teams, multi-shift operations in a fast-paced, high-tech environment and partnering with external vendors to deliver on operational objectives. You must possess a strong analytical mind, with the ability to leverage data to drive operational improvements and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management: Lead, coach, and develop 1st and 2nd Shift Supervisors and Office Coordinators. Manage large, diverse hourly teams across multiple shifts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational standards. Promote an environment of engagement, safety, and continuous improvement across all shifts.
• Performance Management: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for data collection, productivity, and operational efficiency. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to your direct reports.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee all aspects of daily data collection activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations. Anticipate and resolve operational issues to minimize downtime and maintain throughput targets.
• Productivity & Efficiency: Analyze operational data and productivity metrics to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Develop and implement strategies to increase throughput and optimize resource allocation.
• Communication & Reporting: Serve as the primary point of contact for shift-related matters. Provide regular, data-driven reports to senior leadership on operational performance, challenges, and strategic opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the engineering, data analysis, product and scene-building teams to ensure that operational needs are aligned with broader company goals.
• Vendor Management: Manage vendor relationships to ensure external partners meet operational, quality, and safety standards. Coordinate with vendors on resource allocation, service delivery, and issue resolution. Evaluate vendor performance using data-driven metrics and implement improvement plans when necessary.
• Workforce and Shift Schedule Management: Develop and manage detailed shift schedules to ensure adequate coverage and workload balance across multiple shifts. Optimize workforce utilization, staffing levels, and resource allocation in line with project demand. Partner with HR and recruiting to support hiring, training, and retention of hourly staff.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE and SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Business Admin or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a leadership or operations management role, preferably in a technical or R&D environment.
• Proven experience managing supervisors and large teams across multiple shifts.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on using data to drive operational decisions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Experience with operational efficiency methodologies is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 25-45 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate
• Full-time in office role