RD&D Operations Specialist (Hybrid)

Lakeshore Learning Materials; Carson (CA); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Paid parental leave

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with company contribution

Flexible benefits

On-site preschool for employees' kids

On-site gym

Employee discount

Casual dress

Job summary

Lakeshore Learning Materials is seeking an RD&D Operations Specialist to keep initiatives on track by tracking progress, maintaining dashboards, and supporting cross-functional projects. You’ll help teams adopt new tools and processes, with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for enabling educators and learners.

The role emphasizes project management, training delivery, and data-driven analysis, with a hybrid work model based out of Carson, CA.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in operations or project coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel for data tracking and reporting.
• Clear written and verbal communication, able to explain processes to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while staying organized and detail-oriented.
• Hybrid role based out of Carson, CA office.

Responsibilities

• Track progress on operational projects and maintain dashboards and reports.
• Coordinate and deliver training on new processes, technologies, and expectations.
• Analyze operational data with Excel and surface insights for improvements.
• Support cross-functional teams with change management and stakeholder alignment.
• Provide regular status updates to the Operations Manager with milestones and risk mitigation.

Skills

Operations experience

Excel reporting

Communication skills

Organization & multitasking

Hybrid role Carson, CA

Tools

Workfront

Job description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

Our Research, Design & Development team creates products that spark curiosity, build skills, and make a meaningful difference in classrooms and homes. As an RD&D Operations Specialist, you'll help keep that work running smoothly—tracking processes, supporting cross-functional projects, and helping our teams adopt new tools and ways of working. This is a great fit if you're detail-oriented, eager to grow your operations and project management skills, and motivated by work that ultimately supports educators and kids.

A day on the job looks like this

• Support operational projects by tracking progress, maintaining dashboards and reports, and documenting process steps to promote consistency and efficiency across the team.
• Help coordinate and deliver training on new processes, technologies, and expectations, ensuring team members have the guidance they need to get up to speed.
• Apply strong Excel and reporting skills to analyze operational data and surface insights that help the team identify areas for improvement.
• Assist cross-functional teams through change management initiatives based on project needs, aligning stakeholders, facilitating discussions, resolving project challenges, and keeping projects on track to meet established timelines.
• Provide regular status updates to the Operations Manager, including project milestones, performance insights, and proactive tactics to address project risks and mitigation plans.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience in an operations, project coordination, or related role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong Excel skills for data tracking and reporting
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain processes and updates to a range of audiences
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while staying organized and detail-oriented
• This is a hybrid role based out of our Carson, CA office

Preferred

• Experience with Workfront or a similar project management platform
• Exposure to product development or a cross-functional creative or RD&D environment
• Familiarity with process documentation or standard operating procedure (SOP) creation

What sets you apart

• You ask questions when something is unclear rather than guessing, and you use feedback to sharpen your work.
• You follow through consistently—when you say something will be done, it gets done.
• You stay calm and adaptable when priorities shift or a project hits a snag.

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain!

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at an hourly rate between $22.36-$31.25 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Some of the recruiting platforms and tools Lakeshore uses rely on artificial intelligence to help identify potential candidates. The people at Lakeshore review candidates and make all hiring decisions. Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information.