Operations Manager - Safety Programs

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

The Operations Manager – Safety Programs plays a vital role in leading day-to-day operations, owning compliance obligations, and driving key process improvement initiatives. This position serves as the operational and organizational backbone for the Office of Academic Research Safety (OARS), managing everything from customer-facing services and co-op student programs to digital platforms and compliance systems. The ideal candidate will balance strong organizational skills with a systems-thinking mindset, exercising independent judgment and strategic leadership to shape the direction and effectiveness of OARS operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, operations, safety management, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in operations management, program leadership, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines and driving results

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage competing priorities with minimal oversight

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a process improvement orientation

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Teams and Excel

• Customer service orientation with a professional demeanor

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of compliance, safety programs, or regulatory requirements

• Familiarity with laboratory or research environments

• Experience with ticketing or operational management systems (ServiceNow or similar)

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1) Program Operations & Strategic Projects (50%)

• Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies, procedures, and standards that support departmental needs and institutional objectives

• Partner with subject matter experts to improve respiratory protection and lab coat programs, including data analysis, supply chain management, and performance evaluation

• Establish and manage reporting frameworks to communicate safety-related metrics and KPIs to leadership and stakeholders

• Identify, prioritize, and drive process improvement initiatives across OARS business operations

• Serve as project lead for cross-functional organizational efficiency efforts, facilitating stakeholder communications and conducting post-project reviews

• Translate operational insights into strategic recommendations for OARS leadership

• Provide administrative and operational support, as needed, to OARS projects and initiatives

2) System Management (25%)

• Lead systems-related projects from initiation through implementation, monitoring risks and delivering against milestones

• Develop and maintain centralized systems for equipment and asset tracking, ensuring adherence to maintenance and calibration schedules

• Improve and maintain organizational systems for OARS digital platforms and Teams workspaces

3) Operational Support & Customer (10%)

• Serve as primary point of contact for general front desk customer interactions, including fit-tests and supply pickups

• Manage OARS inbox correspondence and incoming phone calls

• Provide administrative and operational support, as needed, to OARS projects and initiatives

4) Procurement & Contract Management (10%)

• Manage vendor relationships and contracts related to safety program operations, including invoice oversight and MSA coordination

• Develop and execute procurement strategy to optimize cost, quality, and service delivery

5) Engagement & Team Building (5%)

• Lead centralized onboarding and offboarding processes for co-ops and staff

• Coordinate end-of-year activities to highlight co-op projects and successes

• Provide administrative and operational support for team-building activities and retreats

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.