Job Description
The Operations Manager, works as part of the Applied Vehicle Dynamics leadership team to ensure efficient and effective operations. The Operations Manager will collaborate directly with Applied Vehicle Dynamics’s Teams leader(s) and RPE Director to resolve day-to-day challenges in the delivery of world class solutions for clients developing chassis and suspension systems, vehicle controls systems, braking systems, tires, etc.
Essential Functions*
Facilitate day-to-day operations of the Applied Vehicle Dynamics (AVD) Department with staff of 7-12 Project Managers, Engineers, and Technicians
Coordinate resources and resolve challenges both within the department and in collaboration with the broader organization
Represent AVD in organizational committees potentially including the Project Accounting Committee (PAC) and Corporate Administrative Safety Committee (CASC)
Support the coordination of resources and activities between operations teams.
As requested by the Director of RPE, support TRC’s organizational initiatives and represent AVD in leadership meetings.
Working with the Director of RPE and Business Development to cultivate opportunities and direct proposal development efforts in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Support various organizational functions including: personnel actions, budget development and tracking, pricing, and policy/process development and implementation
Develop and cultivate relationships between AVD and key clients, partners, and stakeholders (e.g. OSU, HDMA)
Review and approve proposals, budgets, project/test plans, travel expense reports, project deliverables, time entries, and purchases.
As requested by the Director of RPE, represent the AVD Department in public venues (conferences, trade shows, media).
Provide direct technical and managerial guidance in project execution and directly engage to remedy at risk projects/ proposals.
Support onboarding of new employees through training on general operational activities including time entry, requisitions, non-job specific AVD processes, and other standard organizational functions.
Willingness to provide direct support to the organization teams, which may include hands-on tasks and assignments.
Promote technical and operational excellence, and support TRC’s core values.
*TRC, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.
**Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign and reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)
Possess knowledge of TRC internal systems (ERP, CRM, HR, IT, Finance) to extract needed information and ensure compliance with organizational requirements.
Ensure the coordination of project activities for efficient and timely use of resources.
Conduct post-project reviews.
Develop, and track, KPIs. (Specific to AVD and organization wide)
Develop and maintain digital tools and processes to improve operational efficiency and consistency.
Maintain proprietary atmosphere.
Monitor the progress and budget of AVD’s complete project portfolio.
Support the Director of RPE in achieving AVD’s organizational and financial objectives.
Support TRC Inc.’s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required in engineering or technical discipline or applicable experience
Demonstrated Technical Experience in an applicable focus area including chassis and suspension systems, vehicle controls systems, braking systems, tires, etc.
Demonstrated aptitude and experience in automotive testing and/or research
Valid driver’s license
Excellent organization and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Visio, Project) experience in SharePoint, Dynamics, and other web based applications a plus.
Experience executing client driven projects resulting in high quality, on time, on budget deliverables
Demonstrated leadership skills
Working conditions
Standard office, climate controlled environment
Standard laboratory environment
May be exposed to temperatures below 0 degree and above 95 degrees
May be exposed to inclement weather
May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as gas, oil, and paint
Some travel is required
Physical requirements
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers
Capable of positioning one’s self into bending, stretching, climbing, or awkward positions
It is the policy of TRC Inc. to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation (LGBTQIA+), veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by law.