Manager of Innovation & Operations

University of Massachusetts; Shrewsbury (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts President’s Office is seeking a Manager, Strategy and Innovation to lead the project management team, streamline processes, and align operations with strategic priorities. This role collaborates with department heads, business analysts, application managers and technical staff to drive cross‑functional improvements.

Responsibilities include guiding process redesign, improving efficiency, and supporting AI-driven initiatives while overseeing budget and staffing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Management, Accounting or equivalent.
• 10+ years of management or accounting experience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; strong interpersonal, verbal and writing skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Project Managers focused on streamlining processes and improving business practices aligned with strategic priorities.
• Review key practices to identify policies and processes that can be improved and lead cross‑functional teams to design solutions.
• Collaborate with A&F leadership to drive efficiency across the organization, including eProcurement optimization and risk resolution.
• Partner with Business Analysts, PMs and SMEs on process redesign and maximizing technology use to support processes.
• Coordinate with UITS and Business Applications to identify tech solutions that enhance UMPO A&F operations.
• Work with Communications and Training to ensure new processes are rolled out effectively.
• Analyze data to identify root causes, test alternatives, and track implementation of improvements.
• Develop robust relationships with UMPO and campus stakeholders and support AI-driven initiatives.

Skills

Management

Leadership

Communication

Process improvement

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Management or Accounting or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay Range

The UMass President’s Office expects to pay within an approximate hiring range between $100,000 - $135,000 for this position. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Pay Range

The UMass President’s Office expects to pay within an approximate hiring range between $100,000 - $135,000 for this position. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Primary Work Location

Westborough, MA; Hybrid work schedule.

Job Summary

Working under the direct supervision of the Associate Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, the Manager, is responsible for managing the project management team, streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and improving business practices, consistent with the President’s Office’s strategic priorities. As a key member of the Innovation and Operations Team, the Manager will work closely with a variety of stakeholders, from department heads and subject matter experts to business analysts, application managers, project managers, and technical resources. The Manager will lead and participate in a variety of process improvement initiatives, ranging from single department/President’ Office to system-wide, cross-functional.

Essential Functions

• Manage a team of Project Managers focused on streamlining processes, increasing efficiency and improving business practices consistent with the established strategic priorities.
• Review and identify key business practices to identify policies, procedures, and processes that can be improved, simplified, and optimized and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design and implement improvements
• Work closely with A&F Executive Management and Leadership Teams to drive efficiency initiatives across the organization, to include continuous improvement initiatives, resolving risks and issues in business processes, including optimizing eProcurement System features.
• Work closely with project teams, including Business Analysts, Project Managers, and Subject Matter Experts, on process redesign and maximizing technology to support optimal process
• Work closely with UITS and the Business Application Teams to identify technology solutions to streamline UMPO A&F business processes and improve efficiency of operations
• Work closely with the Communication and Training teams to ensure process improvements are carried out in a comprehensive and thoughtful way
• Oversee or conduct data analysis to identify the root causes of business problems, test alternative approaches, recommend solutions, and track implementation
• Develop robust working relationships with diverse set of UMPO and campus stakeholders.
• Participate in the management of the A&F Business Analyst Fellowship program, providing support and guidance throughout each Fellowship
• Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, organization events and other duties as necessary.
• Respond to customer, vendor, and coworker inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Drive innovative business and technical solutions, such as automation to replace manual processes to improve quality, cost, efficiency, and effectiveness
• Participate in the management of the Innovation and Operations budget and staffing to ensure optimal resource allocation and support for strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to actively participate in AI-driven projects within A&F, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, fostering innovation, and leveraging AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.

Other Functions

• Support A&F strategic initiatives including the development of a Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Roadmap
• Perform related duties and projects assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Management, Accounting or equivalent work experience
• 10+ years of Management or Accounting or related work experience
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and ability to meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar software
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and writing skills needed to present or communicate effectively with all levels of management.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience)

• Experience with business applications, including Peoplesoft, Jaggaer, Concur, and Salesforce
• Six Sigma training

Working Conditions

• Typical office environment
• Must be able to travel occasionally to all UMass campuses and the Boston central office.

Additional Details

All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.