Operations Manager

West Coast Operations Manager

Specialty Group Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-time

About Us

Specialty Group is a dynamic organization consisting of Specialty Chemical and Specialty Spaces , both serving U.S. Navy ships and shipboard customers. Our mission is to deliver safe, innovative, and high‑quality solutions for naval decking, vinyl applications, and shipboard space personalization.

With operations in Virginia Beach, VA, and San Diego, CA, we are expanding our West Coast presence and seeking a strong leader to oversee day‑to‑day operations across both divisions.

Position Overview

The West Coast Operations Manager oversees all operational activity for Specialty Chemical and Specialty Spaces on the West Coast. This is a hands-on management role responsible for personnel leadership, project execution, customer communication, scheduling, quality assurance, and coordination across both divisions.

The role ensures both teams execute projects effectively, communicate with customers and one another, meet schedules, maintain quality, and represent Specialty Group professionally aboard Navy ships and at shore facilities.

Key Responsibilities

West Coast Team Leadership

• Oversee and develop sales, design, production, and installation personnel.
• Hold regular team meetings to review active projects and schedules.
• Establish expectations, accountability, and development plans.
• Maintain a professional and productive work environment.

Customer & Shipboard Representation

• Maintain a professional presence aboard Navy ships and shore facilities.
• Build strong relationships with shipboard personnel and stakeholders.
• Support demonstrations, training events, and customer meetings.
• Ensure customer concerns are addressed promptly and communicated to leadership.

Specialty Chemical — Naval Decking Operations

Navy Customer & Program Management

• Manage Naval Decking projects from start to finish.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Navy personnel.
• Support Deck in the Box and SafeTrax programs.
• Coordinate shipboard training for Navy personnel.

Government Sales & Procurement

• Support Navy and federal government sales efforts.
• Prepare quotations, pricing packages, and procurement documentation.
• Identify opportunities to expand product use across the fleet.

Project Execution

• Coordinate schedules, materials, logistics, and personnel.
• Troubleshoot epoxy flooring and installation issues.
• Support quality assurance and compliance with Navy standards.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments of materials and equipment

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Specialty Spaces — Vinyl & Shipboard Personalization Operations

Sales & Project Coordination

• Support sales efforts and quarterly objectives.
• Ensure clear communication from sales through design and installation.
• Track project timelines and resolve issues proactively.

Shipboard Execution

• Oversee vinyl installation teams aboard Navy ships.
• Ensure materials, designs, and equipment are prepared before boarding.
• Maintain quality and resolve installation issues.

Product & Installation Development

• Troubleshoot product and installation challenges.
• Evaluate vinyl performance and substrate conditions.
• Support testing and implementation of new materials.

Vendor & Printing Management

• Manage relationships with printing partners.
• Coordinate printing schedules and quality expectations.
• Support evaluation of in-house printing capabilities.

Cross-Division Operations

• Coordinate shipboard schedules across both divisions.
• Prevent conflicts between Chemical and Spaces projects.
• Manage travel, ship access, material deliveries, and logistics.
• Ensure teams have required materials and equipment before arriving aboard ship.
• Communicate schedule changes and customer requirements across departments.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–7 years in operations, project management, construction, manufacturing, sales, or government contracting.
• Experience supervising or coordinating employees.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work aboard U.S. Navy ships and industrial environments.

Preferred

• Experience with U.S. Navy or federal government.
• Shipboard experience or naval installation experience.
• Experience in flooring, coatings, vinyl installation, or related industries.

What Success Looks Like

• Organized, accountable teams across both divisions.
• Smooth execution of shipboard projects.
• Strong relationships with Navy customers.
• Clear communication and proactive problem-solving.
• High standards of safety, quality, and professionalism.
• Expanded Specialty Chemical presence across the West Coast Navy fleet.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• On-the-job training