Manager, Product Operations (Remote)

Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue the most appropriate learning options for their children. We unite communities to provide scholarships that open doors to a stronger future. With this support, students can choose the right learning environment and access resources to reach their full potential.

Our culture is rooted in two core values:

• Everyone is an asset
• Every event is an improvement opportunity

These values guide how we work together and continuously improve. We expect every team member to bring these principles to life in their daily work.

Job Summary:

The Product Operations Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the seamless execution and continuous improvement of product development and delivery processes within the Product Management team. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Product Management, this strategic and hands-on position is instrumental in optimizing SUFS product operations, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver high quality solutions that align with our organization's goals and stakeholder expectations. The Product Operations Manager will drive process optimization, strategic planning, product planning and product delivery / status management to achieve operational excellence.

Location: Remote (United States) 

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a liaison between Product Managers and various departments to ensure effective communication and alignment throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Coordinate and facilitate regular product development meetings to review progress, address roadblocks, and prioritize tasks.
• Create and maintain roadmaps and delivery plans for product development initiatives, outlining tasks, timelines, and dependencies.
• Lead the coordination and execution of product launches, collaborating with marketing, sales, and customer support teams to ensure a seamless release.
• Establish and maintain a release calendar to manage product updates, hot-fixes, and new feature releases.
• Conduct post-launch evaluations and gather feedback to drive continuous improvement in the launch and release process.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration among different teams involved in product development and operations.
• Collaborate with customer support to ensure a smooth transition from development to support phases.
• Drive quarterly product planning process between Product and IT teams.
• Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in product development processes and propose actionable solutions to enhance productivity and quality.
• Implement and maintain standardized workflows and documentation to streamline product operations.
• Utilize data-driven insights to make informed decisions and guide product development strategies.
• Prepare regular reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product operations and identify areas for improvement.
• Monitor and track progress against product milestones, identifying risks and proposing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Identify and assess potential risks related to product development and implement measures to mitigate those risks.
• Develop contingency plans to address unexpected challenges that may arise during product development.
• The above is not an all-inclusive list of all duties performed by this job title, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications:  

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of three years’ product operations experience.
• Must be articulate, a good listener and possess the ability to persuade teams to work to their highest potential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Accurate and precise attention to detail.
• Able to build strong interpersonal relationships.

• Proven record of delivery and project successes in previous positions.

• Demonstrated success and a proven track record in professional/life experience in specific job functions, projects, or industries. Military service can substitute for professional experience and/or formal education requirements.

You’ll Stand Out If You Have:  

• PMP and Agile certifications are valued, but not required.

 Key Competencies:

• Prior experience as a Product Owner, ScrumMaster or Agile Coach with experience on agile teams with proven record of delivery and product successes in previous positions.
• In-depth understanding of Agile methodologies, technical understanding of products, and up-to date on industry standards and best practices.
• Technical background with knowledge of software development and web technologies.
•  Comfortable working with multiple teams, in-house and remote; strong team player.
•  Ability to remain agile through change and exercise strong decision-making capabilities with limited or incomplete information.
•  Must pay close attention to detail, ask probing questions, investigate and research possibly solutions to problems.
•  Ability to work independently and take charge without much involvement from others.
  Strong communication, interview, and facilitation skills.
• Problem-solving (root cause analysis) and conflict resolution skills.

Interview Process:

• Veriff Identity Verification
• Recruiter Video Interview
• Hiring Manager Interview
• Panel Interview

Why you’ll love working here:

• Award-Winning Culture:
   We’ve been named one of the Best Companies to Work For four years in a row by Florida Trend and Workforce Research Group and honored as one of the Healthiest Companies by Florida’s First Coast Worksite Wellness Council. Fast Company recognized us as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators—proof that we foster an environment where big ideas and bold thinking are encouraged.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
   Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA, FSA, and Lifestyle Spending Accounts. We also offer a competitive 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Harmony:
   Remote work options and unique time-off programs—including 14 paid holidays, Care and Parental Leave, and our Flexible Leave policy.
• Growth & Development:
   From mentorship programs to management training and professional development opportunities, we invest in your career journey every step of the way.
• Supportive Professional Environment:
   Our dedicated coaching team is here to help you succeed, and employee-led committees give you a voice in shaping our workplace. Collaboration isn’t just encouraged, it’s how we work.

Working Conditions and Equipment Use:

• Work is performed indoors in a typical office environment - not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance may be required, depending on role responsibilities.
• Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.
• Frequent use of office machines to include telephone, computer, and printer.