Operations Project Manager
1 day ago
Pine Brook
About Chiral Photonics Chiral Photonics is a fast-growing photonics manufacturing company enabling next-generation optical connectivity. We specialize in high-precision fiber-optic components and assemblies that support advanced data center, AI, and communications infrastructure. As we scale production, we are building strong operational foundations rooted in standard work, quality, and continuous improvement. Role Overview The Operations Project Manager sits at the intersection of production planning and project/program management and plays a critical role in translating customer demand, business strategy, and operational capabilities into executable plans. This role is responsible for: • Production Forecasting and Capacity Planning (~40%) — Developing and maintaining production forecasts and capacity plans to ensure the organization has the right people, stations, and sequencing in place to meet customer demand., • Portfolio Project Management (~40%) — Driving execution and alignment across a portfolio of operational, manufacturing, engineering, and business initiatives, ensuring priorities are clearly sequenced, resources are allocated appropriately, and projects progress according to plan., • Additional Assignments (~20%) — Supporting the Operations and Production Directors with operational initiatives as needed. This may include, but is not limited to, reviewing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the product lifecycle, supporting process improvement efforts, and assisting with operational coordination. This is a highly cross-functional role that partners closely with Production, Process Engineering, R&D, Sales, and Leadership. The ideal candidate is structured, analytical, and detail-oriented, and is comfortable bringing clarity, organization, and strong follow-through to complex operational challenges. Key Responsibilities 1. Production Forecasting & Planning (~40%) • Own and maintain production forecasts across standard, custom, and R&D orders., • Translate demand into capacity and resource plans, including labor, stations/equipment, and shift planning., • Maintain resource models by station, value stream, and operator., • Partner with Production, Process and Engineering to assign work, identify bottlenecks, and mitigate risks., • Track forecast vs. actual performance and improve planning accuracy., • Support planning in a high-mix, high-volume manufacturing environment with both production and R&D workstreams., • Support scale decisions, including staffing, cross-training, additional stations, and automation opportunities. 2. Project & Portfolio Management (~40%) • Manage a portfolio of cross-functional initiatives across manufacturing scale, process improvement, engineering enablement, and operational systems., • Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and dependencies., • Drive execution by tracking actions, ensuring follow-through, and escalating risks., • Help leadership sequence priorities and align resources across operational initiatives., • Prepare status updates, dashboards, and decision materials. 3. Additional Assignments (~20%) Support Operations and Production leadership with initiatives that improve execution, standardization, and cross-functional coordination, including: • Maintaining and improving SOPs and work instructions across the product lifecycle., • Supporting process improvement initiatives to improve throughput and reduce cycle time., • Assisting with operational reporting, dashboards, and data analysis., • Contributing to special projects and operational initiatives as needed. Required Qualifications • 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations planning and program/project management, or manufacturing operations (startup or scale‑up experience strongly preferred), • Strong analytical skills with hands‑on experience in:, • Forecasting and capacity planning, • Resource modeling and scenario analysis, • Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities, • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, • Strong written and verbal communication skills, • Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment, • Ability to manage stakeholders at various levels. Preferred Experience • Experience in manufacturing, hardware, photonics, semiconductors, or advanced technology environments, • Familiarity with:, • High‑volume / high mix production, • R&D and custom order workflows, • Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence frameworks, • Advanced proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets; experience with planning or PM tools is a plus