Business Operations Manager
About this role
Business Operations Manager
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reports to: Vice President of Operations
About Observable Space
At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.
We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.
Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.
About the Role
We are looking for a Business Operations Manager to build the planning, measurement, and operational systems that enable Observable Space to scale. Our planning and reporting processes today are manual and rapidly evolving. This role will help establish the metrics, planning processes, and systems infrastructure that give leadership visibility into operations and enable better decision making as we grow.
This is a hands-on builder role reporting directly to the VP of Operations. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Sourcing, Sales, Managed Services, and Finance to align planning across the business, bring quantitative rigor to key decisions, and develop the operational capabilities needed to support our next stage of growth.
What You'll Do
Quantitative Analysis & Continuous Improvement
Build and maintain the company's core operational metrics and reporting (e.g., throughput, yield, cycle time, WIP, on-time delivery, labor productivity, inventory health, and cost per unit)
Build dashboards and executive reporting that provide visibility into operational performance and support data-driven decision making
Drive continuous improvement efforts by identifying bottlenecks, supporting root-cause analyses, and measuring the impact of operational changes over time
Evaluate major capital investments and equipment purchases through financial and operational business cases
Conduct ad hoc quantitative analyses across the business, including pricing and cost analyses, market assessments, and other strategic initiatives
Planning
Build and maintain forecasting and capacity planning processes across manufacturing and operations
Develop long-range operational plans that balance demand, manufacturing capacity, inventory, and resource constraints
Support site, facility, and manufacturing footprint expansion, evaluating cost, capacity, timeline, and risk tradeoffs
Systems Roadmap
Help shape our long-term operations systems roadmap, including ERP, reporting, and planning capabilities
Maximize the value of Global Shop Solutions (GSS) while identifying opportunities to improve reporting, forecasting, and operational workflows
Develop interim reporting and planning solutions where existing systems fall short
Evaluate build-versus-buy tradeoffs and recommend pragmatic, scalable systems that support long-term growth
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Manufacturing, Sourcing & 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 and decision support
Serve as a trusted thought partner to operational leaders, supporting high-impact cross-functional initiatives and decisions with structured analysis
Travel
Regular travel to Detroit, MI facility
What You'll Bring
5+ years of experience in business operations, manufacturing, strategy, consulting or a related analytical role, ideally supporting a hardware/manufacturing environment, with experience partnering with or influencing senior stakeholders
Strong quantitative skills — comfortable building models, dashboards, and metrics from messy or incomplete data
Track record of building measurement systems, planning processes, or operational infrastructure from scratch
Comfortable moving between hands-on operational problem solving and strategic, data-driven analysis
Strong Excel/Sheets skills; SQL or other data tooling a plus
Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders without direct authority
Experience with an ERP/MRP system (Global Shop Solutions, NetSuite, or similar) is a plus
Experience in precision optics, aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated/technical manufacturing environment is a plus
Lean/Six Sigma or formal continuous improvement training is a plus
Who You Are
A builder who's comfortable creating structure and process where none exists yet
You see where processes, data, and systems fall short — and you build practical solutions that scale
You build scalable processes without unnecessary bureaucracy and have a bias toward using data to drive decisions
Proactive and self-directed — you don't wait for a fully-scoped project to start adding value
Comfortable moving fluidly between hands-on analysis and cross-functional coordination
You care as much about building repeatable systems and processes as you do about solving today's problem
Why You'll Love It Here
Be part of a mission-driven company helping shape the future of space infrastructure
The opportunity to build planning, measurement, and systems infrastructure from the ground up
A collaborative culture that rewards initiative, curiosity, and results
Competitive salary, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits