Business and People Operations Manager

About OptiGrid OptiGrid is an energy technology company accelerating fleet electrification with battery-integrated DC fast charging solutions. Our modular solution combines charging, energy storage, and grid management to eliminate costly infrastructure upgrades and cut deployment timelines from years to weeks. We are a multi-site hardware company operating across Kansas City, Longmont, and Newark. As we scale production and expand our footprint, operational consistency and cross-site alignment are critical to our success. If you want to make a real impact helping fleets go electric, we'd love to hear from you. Position Overview The Business Operations & People Manager will serve as the operational integrator across OptiGrid’s three facilities in Kansas City, KS; Longmont, CO; and Newark, CA. This senior‑level, hands‑on role is responsible for building and running the core operational and people systems that support OptiGrid’s growth. This role owns cross‑site business operations and acts as a key partner to leadership on hiring, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience. The ideal candidate ensures that each OptiGrid office reflects the professionalism, organization, and culture expected of a scaling infrastructure company. This position blends business operations, people operations, and workplace leadership, ensuring that OptiGrid can attract, onboard, develop, and retain talent while operating efficiently across locations. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable improving processes, supporting leaders, and rolling up their sleeves to solve day‑to‑day challenges. This role is responsible for not only aligning and standardizing business processes but also leading human resource initiatives such as talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with employment laws. This position is critical to improving cross‑site communication, reducing operational silos, and creating consistent employee experiences across all offices. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in human resources and business operations, adept at developing and implementing HR policies, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and serving as a trusted advisor to both leadership and staff. In addition to coordinating cross‑site processes and workplace experiences, this leader will oversee HR functions, partner with local leaders to resolve employee‑related issues and ensure company values are reflected in every aspect of the employee experience. As OptiGrid scales, this role will have increasing responsibility for strategic workforce planning, change management, and continuous improvement of both operational and HR practices. Key Responsibilities Business & Operational Leadership Own and scale core business operations across OptiGrid sites, ensuring consistency, clarity, and accountability Design and implement operational processes, standards, and documentation that enable execution at scale Partner with functional leaders to improve cross‑team workflows, decision‑making, and execution Support operational planning, budgeting coordination, vendor management, and internal controls Identify operational gaps or risks and proactively implement solutions People Operations & Hiring Enablement Collaborate with leadership to facilitate recruitment activities, including role definition, process development, onboarding, and workforce planning. Oversee and continuously enhance onboarding practices and new employee experiences. Provide support for performance management initiatives, goal alignment, and management development. Assist in executing scalable people processes designed to foster accountability, transparency, and engagement. Act as a dependable resource for managers on operational matters related to personnel. Cross‑Site Operations & Workplace Management Serve as the operational point of contact across all OptiGrid facilities Drive consistency in workplace standards, communication practices, and internal processes Identify gaps or misalignments between locations and coordinate resolutions Partner with leadership to improve cross‑site communication and reduce silos Support operational planning, readiness, and execution tracking Oversee day‑to‑day workplace operations across locations, including facilities, vendors, safety, and employee experience Ensure each site is well‑supported, compliant, and aligned with OptiGrid standards Act as the primary point of coordination for site‑level operational needs and improvements Support office expansions, relocations, and space planning as the company grows HR & People Initiatives Collaborate with leadership teams on human resources initiatives, including onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and culture development Oversee and establish a standardized onboarding process across all organizational locations Assist in designing and implementing scalable people‑related processes that promote growth and accountability Act as a point of contact for managers and employees regarding operational and workplace personnel matters Coordinate with external HR partners or internal stakeholders as appropriate Facilities & Workplace Standards Ensure each facility meets OptiGrid’s standards for professionalism, safety, and functionality Coordinate leases, vendors, maintenance, utilities, and service providers Oversee facility transitions and expansions, including office moves and build‑outs Partner with local facility managers where applicable to ensure alignment Manage vendor onboarding, contracts, renewals, and service quality Operational Coordination & Leadership Support Support operations leadership with scheduling, initiative tracking, and follow‑up coordination Track action items and cross‑functional operational commitmentsAssist with internal reporting and operational readiness initiativesHelp drive clarity and visibility around operational priorities across sites Qualifications 7+ years of experience in business operations, HR operations, or a related leadership role Demonstrated experience managing operations across multiple sites or locations Proven experience supporting hiring and scaling teams in a growing organization Strong understanding of HR processes and employee lifecycle support (onboarding, performance, engagement) Strong organizational and process development skills Ability to identify gaps and proactively implement improvements Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently and manage priorities across time zones Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational tracking tools Preferred Skills Experience in a fast‑growth, startup, manufacturing or hardware environment Experience scaling internal processes across multiple locations Proven ability to coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders Comfortable evolving from coordination to ownership as the company scales Proven ability to coordinate day‑to‑day office and operational activities with attention to detail and follow‑through. Why Join OptiGrid? Make an Impact: Help accelerate fleet electrification and reduce carbon emissions by enabling faster, more affordable EV charging infrastructure deployment. Work With Great People: Join a collaborative team that values diverse perspectives. We solve hard problems together and celebrate wins as a team. Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and PTO. #J-18808-Ljbffr OptiGrid