Business Operations Manager

About Pure Blue Tech Pure Blue Tech (PBT) is a water purification technology company based in Bellingham, WA. We develop advanced reverse osmosis and membrane filtration technologies that help industries and municipalities purify, treat, and reuse water more efficiently. Our work is mission-driven — shifting the economics and sustainability of water treatment for cities, industries, and the planet. We're a tight-knit, fast-moving small business, and we care deeply about doing excellent work. The Role We're looking for a sharp, warm, and deeply organized Business Operations Manager to own the backend of our business. This role is the operational backbone of the company — the person who ensures HR and benefits run smoothly, purchasing gets done right, payments are managed, finances are in order, and nothing falls through the cracks. You’ll report directly to the CEO and work closely with our bookkeeper, accountant, and cross-functional team. This isn't a general office management role — it's for someone who genuinely takes ownership of business operations, spots opportunities to improve how things work, and thrives in an environment that values precision, initiative, and heart. What You'll Own HR, People Operations & Benefits Manage employee onboarding, offboarding, and the full employee lifecycle in Gusto Oversee employee benefits administration — enrollment, changes, renewals, and carrier coordination Serve as the primary HR point of contact for all staff Maintain accurate employee records; support recruiting coordination as needed Run payroll and manage related compliance requirements Financial Administration & Payments Process and manage payments to vendors, suppliers, contractors, and service providers Handle accounts payable — file, track, and pay invoices Interface regularly with our bookkeeper and CPA/accountant Support financial record-keeping and reporting in QuickBooks Online Manage expense tracking and financial documentation Purchasing, Suppliers & Inventory Source, research, and purchase equipment, supplies, and materials per team requirements Own supplier relationships — manage communications, negotiate terms, and ensure performance Track orders and maintain purchasing records Support inventory tracking (experience with inventory management systems a plus) Shipping & Logistics Coordinate domestic and international inbound and outbound shipments Manage carrier relationships, freight accounts, and shipping documentation Handle customs, export compliance, and international shipping requirements Ensure timely, accurate delivery and resolve logistics issues as they arise Licensing & Compliance Maintain and renew business licenses and regulatory filings (WA state, IRS, local, etc.) Monitor compliance requirements and proactively track renewal deadlines Coordinate with legal and financial advisors as needed Digital Systems & Administration Own digital file organization, documentation, and internal records Manage and optimize company systems: Monday.com, HubSpot, Microsoft 365 Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and systems — bring solutions, not just observations Support scheduling, correspondence, and administrative needs across the team Who You Are Extremely organized — you build systems, document everything, and nothing slips Warm and people-centered — colleagues genuinely enjoy working with you Grounded, present, and self-aware A confident self-starter who sees what needs to be done and does it Adaptable and composed under pressure — able to juggle competing priorities in a fast-moving environment A team player who cares about the mission and the people around you Someone who loves learning and readily embraces new tools and technology Required Qualifications 3–15 years of experience in business operations, HR administration, or a closely related role Hands-on proficiency with QuickBooks Online Experience with Gusto or a comparable HR/payroll platform Benefits administration experience — enrollment, carrier management, renewals High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) — must be excellent Experience managing payments, AP, and vendor/supplier relationships Familiarity with domestic and international shipping and logistics Knowledge of business licensing and regulatory compliance requirements Excellent written and verbal communication skills Preferred Qualifications Experience with Monday.com, HubSpot, or similar project management / CRM platforms Background in a startup, technology, or manufacturing environment Familiarity with inventory management systems Competency with AI tools (e.g., Claude) — this is a significant plus Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations, or a related field Benefits Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance Paid time off (PTO) 401(k) The opportunity to do meaningful work at a mission-driven water technology company #J-18808-Ljbffr Pure Blue Tech