Operations Specialist

Preferred location: Chicago (hybrid) Full-time About us Klett World Languages is a growing educational publisher located in Chicago with a flourishing North America market share. Publishing high-quality Spanish, French, German, and Italian content for grades K-12 and higher education, Klett World Languages is the newest venture of the European-based Klett Group, which was founded in 1897 and encompasses 80+ educational enterprises. At Klett World Languages, we create content that helps students build authentic communicative competence and become global citizens. Our materials are authentic, accessible, and help students create connections to our increasingly global world. We strongly believe that educators play a key role in language learning. Therefore, part of our mission is to support them and provide opportunities for professional development. At Klett World Languages, we are driven to change world language education in North America for the better. Why join Klett World Languages? Klett World Languages is uniquely positioned as a start-up publishing company in the U.S. and Canada. Because of this, we have been able to think outside of the box and redesign language learning to meet today’s needs. It’s no surprise that we are called "disrupters" within the world language publishing industry. Klett World Languages supports an international work environment and global work culture that provides room for personal and professional growth as our market share expands exponentially throughout the U.S. and Canada. We make a concerted effort to respect work-life balance through generous paid time off (PTO) and remote work policies, flexible schedules when possible, and paid professional development. We encourage a growth mindset, provide coaching, and promote belonging and inclusivity. Klett World Languages also rewards its team for its growth and success through individual bonuses tied to evaluations, prizes and rewards tied to sales earnings, and yearly retreats. The Klett World Languages Team is driven by the mission of how we can help change world language education in North America for the better. Are you driven to make this change with us? As an Operations Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting our day-to-day supply chain and operational processes, ensuring our educational materials reach customers across North America efficiently and on time. Working closely with internal teams, distribution partners, and customers, you will help drive operational excellence and contribute to a positive customer experience. We are looking for a proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented professional who enjoys working in a collaborative environment, solving challenges, and continuously improving processes. The ideal candidate is highly organized, customer-focused, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growing organization. If you are looking for an opportunity to take ownership, make a meaningful impact, and grow your career within a supportive, international, and mission-driven organization, we’d love to hear from you. Responsibilities Execute, evaluate, and continuously improve supply chain processes, from production to delivery to the end customer Serve as the primary point of contact between Klett World Languages and its fulfillment provider, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations and timely issue resolution Analyze pricing structures, discounts, sales performance, and profit margins, identifying opportunities to optimize processes and improve business outcomes Support operational projects such as software implementations, pricing updates, fulfillment improvements, and internal training on order-related processes Maintain and improve internal databases related to orders, inventory, pricing, and operational reporting Process customer orders accurately and efficiently, helping ensure timely fulfillment and delivery Issue invoices, process payments, and support accurate financial record-keeping in collaboration with the accounting team Monitor inventory levels and support forecasting and inventory planning to ensure product availability and business growth Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries promptly and professionally Investigate and resolve order fulfillment, shipping, and operational issues to ensure a positive customer experience Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Customer Success, and external partners to support company goals and operational priorities Identify process inefficiencies and recommend practical solutions to improve operational performance, scalability, and customer satisfaction Generate and analyze operational reports to support data-driven decision-making Support the implementation of new tools, systems, and workflows that enhance operational effectiveness Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Operations Qualifications, knowledge, and skills 2+ years of experience in operations, supply chain, customer service, order management, or a related field, preferred Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (GSuite), particularly Excel/Google Sheets Experience with NetSuite or a similar ERP solution Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy Outstanding written and verbal communication skills Customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional service Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners Adaptable, proactive, and eager to contribute to continuous process improvement Spanish language proficiency is strongly preferred Comprehensive health insurance coverage to support your well-being This position operates in a hybrid work environment, with an in-person office requirement of up to four days per week, depending on business needs Up to 12 weeks of parental leave with 50% pay 16 PTO days annually, increasing to 25 days after two years with the company All federal holidays are paid Retirement savings plan with up to a 3% company match Paid half an hour lunch break as part of your 8-hour workday Ongoing professional development opportunities and access to training resources A collaborative, international, and supportive team culture where your ideas and contributions are valued The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing company backed by a global educational leader #J-18808-Ljbffr