Manager of Innovation & Operations

University of Massachusetts; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts President’s Office, located in Westborough, MA, invites applications for a Manager of Innovation & Operations. This role leads the project management team, streamlines processes, and improves business practices aligned with strategic priorities.

Under the Associate Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, you will drive cross‑functional initiatives, collaborate with A&F leaders to implement efficiency improvements, and oversee budget and staffing for major

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Project Managers focused on streamlining processes and improving practices.
• Identify and implement improvements to policies, procedures and processes.
• Drive efficiency initiatives with A&F leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts, PMs and SMEs on process redesign and tech enablement.
• Coordinate with UITS and Business Applications to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Oversee data analysis to identify root causes and track implementation.
• Develop relationships with UMPO and campus stakeholders.
• Support Fellowship programs and participate in team and organizational events.
• Drive AI-driven projects and automation to improve quality and cost efficiency.

Skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Written communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Management, Accounting or equivalent work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Read the Employee Handbook on the HR Website for more information on benefits, payroll, health insurance, retirement and general information about working at UMass.

Manager of Innovation & Operations

Job no: 530053
Position type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass President's Office
Campus Location: Westborough
Department: Innovation Team
Categories: Business & Financial Services, Project Management, Project Management & Planning
Advertised: Sep 08 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

Pay Range:

The UMass President’s Office expects to pay within an approximate hiring range between $100,000 - $135,000for 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.

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

The University of Massachusetts President’s Office welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.